Republikon Institute

Republikon Institute is a liberal think tank organisation based in Budapest, focusing on analysing Hungarian and international politics, formulating policy recommendations and initiating projects that contribute to a more open, democratic and free society. The goal of the Institute is to promote discussion and implementation of liberal ideas, approaches and policies.

Politics

Hungary 2017: Stable Fidesz, More Active Left-Liberal Wing, and a New Political Actor

BY Zsolt Nagy AND Republikon Institute / May 1, 2017

At first glance, the beginning of 2017 did not bring any significant changes in the Hungarian politics. Fidesz still leads confidently, having almost an absolute majority. Moreover, power relations between the liberal-left parties are stable. However, we may also notice a number of new tendencies.

Politics

Hungarian Presidential Elections: A Chance for Constitutionalism

BY Anna Kalmar AND Republikon Institute / April 11, 2017

Since according to the constitution, the Hungarian president can be elected by a simple majority, it was clear that János Áder would triumph once more. The less predictable outcome was that the small, often disputing with one another parties of the left-wing liberal opposition lined up behind a credible, well-respected candidate: László Majtényi.

Politics, Society

Fantastic Political Mechanisms and Where to Find Them

BY Barna Mazan AND Republikon Institute / April 3, 2017

It seems that wizards and witches have more rights compared to anyone else (muggles or other species), which sounds quite worrisome. All in all, segregation is a very serious issue in the wizarding community, thus it is not surprising at all that it is filled with internal tensions.

Politics

A New Hungarian Political Force Sets Out to Complete the “Real Change of the Regime”

BY Balint Timar AND Republikon Institute / March 30, 2017

As for the voters, Momentum also aims to attract the huge proportion of uncertain voters that wish to change the current government but cannot find a real alternative. The party’s main long-term goal is to complete the change of the regime.

Economy

Miles Away from Doing Better: Government’s Economic Policies Hold Hungary Back

BY Reka Borbely AND Republikon Institute / December 31, 2016

While it might be too harsh to say that Hungary was near bankrupcy in 2010, or when it was put in the junk category in 2014 we could argue that it was only an overreaction of the market. Still, it would be wrong to say that ’Hungary is doing better’, especially on the regional level.

Politics

Hungary Slowly Begins to Thaw?

BY Republikon Institute / December 13, 2016

There is a significant, 7% decrease in the ratio of voters who support the continuation of the present Fidesz government, while the ratio of those who support Jobbik (the radical right party) or a coalition of the leftist, liberal parties has increased – shows the public opinion study by Republikon Institute in November 2016.

Politics

Could Primaries Mean the Change of Government in Hungary?

BY Zsofia Zador AND Republikon Institute / December 12, 2016

The change that hurts the leftist parties the most is the abolishment of the two-round system. This is due to parties having the chance to collaborate before if no absolute majority was achieved. In the new single round system, one can win even with a relative majority.

Politics, Society

The Attitude of Hungarians Towards the Upcoming Quota Referendum

BY Csaba Toth, Zsofia Zador, Sandor Szabo AND Republikon Institute / August 23, 2016

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government has issued a referendum, often referred to as a \'quota referendum\', on the mandatory resettlement of migrants, and is urging people to vote ‘No’non October 2. According to the survey conducted by the Republikon Institute, the quota referendum could be valid.

Politics

Everything We Should Know about the Turkish Army

BY Bertram Marek AND Republikon Institute / July 26, 2016

Paradoxically, the army that is considered to be the founder of democracy has always been a great dilemma for the EU during the admission procedure, which is the reason behind the union’s support for Erdogan’s attempts to significantly reduce the political influence of the armed forces

Politics

Gloomy Sunday for the Hungarian Government

BY Daniel Kovarek AND Republikon Institute / May 5, 2016

Just a single year has passed since the introduction of the infamous shop closure law in Hungary, but the Fidesz-led right-wing government had already withdrew the regulation that forbade most retail outlets to open and serve customers on Sundays.