News

Referendum go ahead, Budapest Sun (2008)

Parliament has cleared the way for the now redundant referendum on the blocking of the health care reform's introduction.

Referendum to be held in March, New Europe (2008)

Last week, Hungarian President Laszlo Solyom announced that a referendum the opposition is billing as a judgment on an unpopular government would be held early March, 2008.

ANALYSIS: Can Europe agree on Europe? (2007)

An article about the timing of the Polish election - October 21

Tired, old party puts fresh face up for PM (The Budapest Times, 2009)

A few months ahead of the general elections the governing Socialists are a picture of misery. Even ardent optimists within the party are preparing for an historic election defeat. MSZP is now pinning its hopes on caucus leader Attila Mesterházy, who has only been in the job since spring.

Hungary's justice minister bows out ahead of elections (Earth Times, 2009)

 

Hungary’s Socialists Confirm Mesterhazy as Premier Candidate (Bloomberg, 2009)

Hungary’s Socialist Party, which backs Gordon Bajnai’s crisis-management government, confirmed Attila Mesterhazy as its candidate for prime minister in elections next year.

Hungary’s Center-right Fidesz Clearly Separates Itself From Far-right Jobbik Party (The Wall Street Journal, 2009)

In the wake of the upcoming general elections in spring 2010, Viktor Orban, president and prime minister-nominee of Hungarian center-right party Fidesz, separated Monday his party clearly from far-right Jobbik party at a party event.

Sólyom sets elections for April 11, 25 (Politics.hu, 2010)

The two rounds of the parliamentary elections will be held on April 11 and 25, President László Sólyom announced on Friday, thereby kicking off the election campaign.

MSZP names Budapest candidates (The Budapest Times, 2010)

The Hungarian Socialist Party (MSZP) last Thursday presented its candidates for the 32 electoral constituencies in the capital. Former Budapest deputy mayor Miklós Hagyó and Minister for Culture and Education István Hiller will face the electorate.

Knives out: election in 10 weeks (The Budapest Times)

Although the electioneering rhetoric had been in full swing since the start of the year, the competing parties now officially have until 9 April to persuade the electorate to vote for them, or indeed to vote at all.

Green LMP names national list leaders (Politics.hu, 2010)

Hungary's new Green party, Politics Can Be Different (LMP) decided in a congress on Sunday whom to put in the top 15 slots on their national list for the April general elections.

Hungary likely to swing to right in April's general election (Telegraph, 2010)

Voters in Hungary look set to punish the current Socialist government in general elections in April with a sharp swing to the right, all the opinion polls suggest.

Fidesz leaders not to compete individually at elections (Politics.hu, 2010)

Most of Fidesz's senior politicians will not run as individual candidates for Parliament, national council president László Kövér said Sunday.

Hungary’s Fidesz Starts Campaign with 40-Point Lead (Angus Reid, 2010)

The Hungarian Citizens Party (Fidesz) is the overwhelming favourite as the country’s election draws near, according to a poll by Tarki. 62 per cent of respondents—all decided voters—would support the main opposition party in this year’s ballot, down one point since December.

Green LMP party optimistic about more than changing politics (Politics.hu, 2010)

Politics Can Be Different (Lehet Más a Politika) is more confident than even we imagined, according to a report by mno.hu.

Orbán's "zipped lips" policy could have been more useful the last time (Politics.hu, 2010)

 

Horváth to be finalized as Socialist candidate for Budapest mayoral election (Politics.hu, 2010)

Pending a final vote on the manner, the Socialist Party has assembled its list for the municipal elections to be held this fall, Magyar Nemzet reports, with Csaba Horváth to be the party's Budapest mayoral candidate.

The Democratic Forum: more independent than even they would prefer (Politics.hu, 2010)

 

Elections 2010 - Socialist PM candidate addresses uncertain voters, say analysts (The Budapest Times, 2010)

Prime Minister candidate of the governing Socialist party Attila Mesterhazy addressed uncertain and disillusioned voters in a speech outlining the party's election programme, said analysts polled by MTI on Sunday.

National Elections Office website defaced by far-right programmer (Politics.hu, 2010)

Early Tuesday morning, valasztas.hu, the website of the National Elections Office was attacked, with the names of the three major parties changed, index.hu reports.

Socialist PM candidate starts rally around Hungary (Politics.hu, 2010)

Prime minister candidate of the ruling Socialist Party Attila Mesterhazy started a tour of the country in Polgar (E) on Saturday.

Registered Hungarian parties number 183 (Politics.hu, 2010)

At present there are a total 183 parties in Hungary, including 55 registered since the last parliamentary elections in 2006, data published by the National Judicial Council show.

Elections 2010 - Dem Forum sees education, tax as key reform areas (MTI, 2010)

Education and tax reform in Hungary are key components of job creation in the small-business sector, Lajos Bokros, prime-minister candidate of the Democratic Forum, said on Monday.

Bajnai’s goodbye (The Budapest Times, 2010)

In the last session of parliament last Monday Gordon Bajnai, who has been prime minister since last April, made his farewell speech. Numerous opposition MPs, including Fidesz chairman Viktor Orbán, were conspicuously absent.

Socialists not to support Fidesz against Jobbik in 2nd round (Politics.hu, 2010)

The Socialist party's candidates will not step down in favour of main opposition Fidesz in the second round of elections, Socialist prime minister candidate Attila Mesterhazy said on Monday.

Collection of electoral nomination forms at half-way stage (Politics.hu, 2010)

The period for gathering electoral nomination forms has now reached the half-way mark.

Green party LMP not to name PM candidate (Politics.hu, 2010)

The green Politics Can Be Different (LMP) party seeks to become a parliamentary force rather than a governing party and has therefore decided not to nominate a prime minister candidate for the upcoming general elections, a senior LMP official told national daily Nepszabadsag on Tuesday.

Socialists: past, present and uncertain future (The Budapest Times, 2010)

The ovation given to the Hungarian Socialist Party (MSZP) prime ministerial candidate Attila Mesterházy’s speech on Saturday, 20 February brought back memories of Ferenc Gyurcsány’s triumphant debut as prime ministerial candidate that instantly won over MSZP supporters at the party congress in September 2004.

Ruling Socialists initiate debate with opposition next week (Politics.hu, 2010)

Ministers of the ruling Socialists invite experts of the main opposition Fidesz party for three policy debates next week, the Socialist prime minister candidate confirmed MTI's information on Thursday.

Over 3,400 Hungarians on registry to vote abroad (Politics.hu, 2010)

Some 3,400 Hungarians eligible to vote have indicated they would like to cast their ballots abroad, the national election office told MTI on Friday.

Poll reveals Jobbik scores better among young people than Socialists (Politics.hu, 2010)

For the first time, radical nationalist party Jobbik is more popular among young Hungarians than the Socialist party is, the outcome of a poll by Forsense showed on Thursday.

Jobbik Closer to Socialists in Hungary (Angus Reid Global Monitor, 2010)

The far-right Movement for a Better Hungary (Jobbik) has increased its standing as the European country heads to a legislative election, according to a poll by Median. 15 per cent of decided voters would support Jobbik, up five points since January.

Fidesz rejects Socialist invitation to broadcast debate (Politics.hu, 2010)

Conservative party Fidesz on Sunday rejected a call by the Socialist party's prime-minister candidate to take part in a broadcast debate on their respective campaign programmes.

Hungarian right leads election race amid scramble for nominations (Earth Times, 2010)

Hungarian centre-right opposition party Fidesz appeared a step closer to government on Tuesday when it claimed to have collected over 2 million nominations for its candidates for the April general elections. Although the first round in Hungary's general elections is not until April 11, the real first battle began in mid-February as party activists began to collect nominations for their would-be candidates.

Fidesz collects two million candidate petition slips (Politics.hu, 2010)

The main opposition Fidesz party and its Christian Democratic ally have attained their target to collect two million candidate petition slips for the general elections, a senior party official told reporters in Budapest on Tuesday.

Support for parties stable, Nézőpont Intézet poll shows (Politics.hu, 2010)

With hardly more than a month to go until the general elections, Hungary's main opposition Fidesz maintained its lead over the ruling Socialists last week, a recent poll by the Nezopont Institute showed.

Jobbik surges ahead in March, Szonda Ipsos finds (Politics.hu, 2010)

Just over a month before the first round of Hungary's parliamentary elections, radical nationalist party Jobbik has shown a surge in support, pollster Szonda Ipsos said.

Ukraine's Yanukovich eyes coalition, gov't this week (Reuters, 2010)

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich pushed on Wednesday for a new ruling coalition within the week to avoid snap elections and tackle a deep economic crisis.

Ukraine forms parliamentary coalition to end political chaos (RIA Novosti, 2010)

The Ukrainian parliament on Thursday formed a majority parliamentary coalition loyal to new President Viktor Yanukovych and appointed a new prime minister, ending a political stand-off between the legislature and the head of state.

To stand down or not to stand down? (The Budapest Times, 2010)

The first round of Hungary’s elections on April 11 will fundamentally change the country’s political landscape. The political dividing line may shift radically: Instead of a left-right split, politicians of all ideological stripes may find themselves making a common stand against right-wing radicals. Hitherto unthinkable cooperation between the governing Hungarian Socialist Party (MSZP) and the right-wing opposition Fidesz party may start taking shape as soon as the first round is over.

Fidesz Triples Support of Socialists in Hungary (Angus Reid Global Monitor, 2010)

Hungary’s main opposition party remains well positioned to win an upcoming legislative election, according to a poll by Tarki. 61 per cent of respondents, all of whom are decided voters, would support the Hungarian Citizens Party (Fidesz) in the April ballot, down one point since January.

Elections 2010 - Over 5,000 Hungarians register to vote abroad in both rounds (MTI, 2010)

So far more than 5,000 Hungarian citizens have registered to vote abroad in both rounds of the upcoming parliamentary elections, with the March 19 registration deadline approaching, the National Election Office said.

Roundup (The Budapest Times, 2010)

Fidesz leads by a mile. A poll published last week by the local think tank Nézõpont Intézet put support among those who plan to vote at 52% for the centre-right opposition party Fidesz and their alliance partners the Christian Democrats (MKDP). Meanwhile backing for the governing Hungarian Socialist Party (MSZP) stands at 19% and the nationalist party Jobbik is preferred by 14% of voters.

Party speakers focus on April elections at March 15 commemoration ceremonies (Politics.hu, 2010)

Speakers at political party rallies held on Monday, the day Hungary marked the 162nd anniversary of the outbreak of its 1848/49 revolution and war of independence from the Habsburgs, focused on the upcoming parliamentary elections in April.

Analysts say Fidesz programme evades risks (Politics.hu, 2010)

The election programme of Hungary's main opposition Fidesz party, published today, fits well into the party's election strategy which is set to avoid risks, the research director of political think tank Nezopont said on Friday.

Fidesz releases election platform (Politics.hu, 2010)

Fidesz presented its election platform to the public on Friday under the title "Policy of National Causes," promising to make public all state contracts.

Fidesz says rival parties have no agenda (Politics.hu, 2010)

A senior Fidesz official said on Tuesday that the political rallies on Hungary's March 15 national holiday had demonstrated that Fidesz was the single party with something to say about Hungary's future.

Analyst sees left unable to block Fidesz two-thirds majority (Politics.hu, 2010)

Political analysts discussed the possible outcome of the April general elections, focusing on the rise of the radical nationalist Jobbik party, at a press conference in Budapest on Tuesday.

Attacks on LMP reveal that they're starting to make the other parties nervous (Politics.hu, 2010)

It is said for politicians and political parties that until they find themselves under attack, they haven't really arrived. In that respect, the folks over at left-liberal Lehet Más a Politika ("Politics Can be Different") are probably happy about the recent attacks leveled at them, for it's a tacit acknowledgment that they're gathering enough support to annoy the other parties, who are now concerned about losing some of their support to Hungary's "green" party.

Hungary’s Fidesz Widens Pre-Election Poll Lead as Radicals Rise (Business Week, 2010)

Hungary’s biggest opposition party, Fidesz, widened its lead to more than four times the support of its nearest rival as backing for radicals surged less than a month before elections, according to a Nezopont Intezet poll.

Fewer individual candidates nominated than in 2006 (Politics.hu, 2010)

Altogether 834 individual candidates have presented their petition slips to the election committees by the deadline on Friday afternoon, the National Election Office (OVI) said.

Pollster data show little beyond Fidesz winning (Politics.hu, 2010)

The results of the latest polls three weeks before Hungary's general elections show main opposition Fidesz as the clear winner and the radical nationalist Jobbik making it into Parliament, but there are big differences on how many votes each party will win as well as on voter turnout.

Five parties may field national lists during elections (Politics.hu, 2010)

Fidesz, the Socialists, Jobbik, the Democratic Forum and the Politics Can be Different party (LMP) have all registered a sufficient number of candidates for Parliament to field a national list during the April elections, the National Election Commission announced.

Hoping to make a difference (The Budapest Times, 2010)

Interview with the LMP’s top candidate András Schiffer

Democratic Forum, Free Democrats sign election pact (Politics.hu, 2010)

The conservative Hungarian Democratic Forum (MDF) and the liberal Free Democrats (SZDSZ) signed an agreement concerning MDF's Budapest list for the upcoming general elections, on Monday afternoon.

Fidesz only party to bring change, says Orbán (Politics.hu, 2010)

Opposition leader Viktor Orban on Monday called his Fidesz party the only force capable of delivering profound changes in Hungary.

Six parties qualify for national "surplus" list (Politics.hu, 2010)

Six Hungarian political parties were able to register a national election list for the general election by the Tuesday deadline, the National Election Office said.

Small parties have slim chance of getting into parliament, say analysts (Politics.hu, 2010)

Two small parties, the conservative Democratic Forum and green party Politics Can Be Different, stand a small chance of clearing the five percent threshold to win seats in the next parliament, analysts polled by MTI on Tuesday said.

Rise of Conservative right alarming Hungary’s Jews (JTA.org, 2010)

The radical far-right Jobbik party is poised to emerge in next month's elections in Hungary as a potent force in Parliament, and the prospect is ringing alarm bells in Central Europe's largest Jewish community.

Electoral Commission says MTV improperly favoring Fidesz/KDNP (Politics.hu, 2010)

MTV's decision to grant double airtime to the Fidesz-Christian Democrat alliance violates the principle of equality, the National Election Commission (OVB) stated Thursday.

US embassy denies claims it backs LMP (Politics.hu, 2010)

The US embassy yesterday denied a claim that members of its staff had tried to persuade an environmentalist to support the Politics Can Be Different party (LMP).

Anti-corruption NGOs say Socialists already breaching campaign spending limit (Politics.hu, 2010)

The ruling Socialist Party has already spent more on its campaign for the April general election than legally allowed, while its main rival Fidesz has come close to the spending cap, business daily Napi Gazdasag said on Friday, citing a news portal run by three anti-corruption NGOs.

Electoral commission strikes blow against MDF (Politics.hu, 2010)

The Democratic Forum (MDF) will probably face further difficulties in prolonging its parliamentary presence after the Budapest Election Committee (FVB) rejected the party's list in the capital city.

Slovaks worried at outcome of Hungarian elections (CNS, 2010)

Opinion polls in the run-up to the parliamentary elections in Hungary put voter support for the nationalist Fidesz party and the extreme right Jobbik as high as 80 percent.

Parties support citizenship to ethnic Hungarians beyond borders (Politics.hu, 2010)

Hungary's parties with a national list all support the notion to offer citizenship to ethnic Hungarians living beyond the borders, party representatives said on Duna Television on Sunday.

Jobbik prone to inner conflicts, says pollster (Politics.hu, 2010)

Hungary's radical nationalist Jobbik party may give the impression of a "unified party devoid of inner debates" but a deeper analysis reveals several possible sources of inner conflict, pollster Nezopont Institute said on Sunday.

Democratic Forum gets approval for Budapest list (Politics.hu, 2010)

Hungary's small conservative opposition Democratic Forum was able to get approval for its party list in Budapest after the National Election Board (OVB) on Friday overruled a city committee's earlier rejection of the list.

Socialists, Jobbik neck-and-neck for 2nd place, poll shows (Politics.hu, 2010)

The ruling Socialist Party is neck-and-neck against radical nationalist Jobbik for second place in the April general election after main opposition Fidesz, which is tipped to bag an "unprecedented" victory, a poll by Gallup released to MTI on Friday showed.

Race among also-rans (The Budapest Times, 2010)

Newcomers show strength; old parties prove weakness The collection of recommendation slips that closed on 19 March proved to be a bigger hurdle for the parties than ever before. As a result of this, just three political forces have been able to field candidates in every constituency: Fidesz, Jobbik and the Hungarian Socialist Party (MSZP). Collecting recommendation slips was a much bigger challenge for the Politics Can Be Different (LMP) party and the Hungarian Democratic Forum (MDF), who will each field candidates in roughly half of Hungary’s constituencies.

Socialists to close campaign on April 8 (Politics.hu, 2010)

The Socialist Party will conclude its election drive in Miskolc next Thursday, breaking with the tradition of holding its campaign-closing event in Budapest, Népszabadság reports.

Elections 2010 - Future of Hungarian land does not depend on Brussels - Orban (MTI.hu, 2010)

The future of Hungarian land does not depend on decisions made in Brussels, Fidesz leader Viktor Orban said on Wednesday. If the main opposition Fidesz forms the next government then foreigners will not be allowed to buy land in Hungary, Orban said.

Far-right gains could put Hungary reforms at risk (Reuters, 2010)

The scenario is classic. Hungary's economy is in crisis, its large Roma minority is an easy scapegoat, and a far-right party blaming "Gypsy crooks" and "welfare spongers" is set to be the big winner.

Fidesz still way ahead in campaign: poll (The Budapest Times, 2010)

A poll by the Nézõpont Intézet, a local for-profit think tank, last week reaffirmed the centre-right opposition party Fidesz’s huge lead in the run up to general elections on 11 and 25 April. Fidesz is the party of choice for 62 per cent of respondents who said they have made up their minds, while the governing Hungarian Socialist Party (MSZP) was only narrowly ahead, at 15 per cent, of the nationalist party Jobbik, on 14 per cent.

NE Hungary village bans Jobbik campaign event in local school (Politics.hu, 2010)

The mayor of Eperjeske (NE Hungary) banned a campaign event that the radical nationalist Jobbik party planned to hold in the village's local primary school on the weekend, Nepszabadsag daily said on Tuesday.

Narrow majority expects Fidesz gov't to improve country (Politics.hu, 2010)

A small majority of Hungarian voters expect the country's situation to improve with an election victory of the opposition Fidesz party in just under two weeks, a Tarki poll published on Tuesday found.

Elections 2010 - Voting ends in America, starts on other continents (MTI, 2010)

The first round of the general election was completed in order at Hungarian embassies in five countries on the American continent on Saturday, heads of the local election offices told MTI on Sunday.

Hungary: High voter turnout at embassies abroad (Politics.hu, 2010)

Some 77.79% of Hungary's registered expatriate voters turned out for the first round of the parliamentary elections at Hungarian embassies abroad, according to National Election Commission (OVB) data released on Monday.

OSCE sends assessment mission to Hungary (Politics, 2010)

The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has sent but an assessment mission to Hungary in connection with the general election on April 11. The ten-member mission arrived in Hungary last Monday, the Foreign Ministry told MTI earlier.

Hungary: Political parties on economic priorities (Realdeal.hu, 2010)

All political parties running in the election campaign consider job creation and promoting businesses as top priorities for the next government's economic policy. However, the ruling Socialists and main opposition Fidesz have not offered actual details in their programmes.

FACTBOX-Hungary vote: party profiles and programmes (Forexpros.com, 2010)

Hungarians will vote in parliamentary elections on April 11 and 25, with opinion polls showing the main opposition party Fidesz far ahead of the ruling Socialists. Following are the profiles and key economic policies of main political parties in the election.

Hungary's Viktor Orban: No Wiggle Room (Business Week, 2010)

Commentary: The head of the Hungarian right-wing Fidesz party will likely win April's elections and become prime minister. But he has little space to maneuver

Hungary: Fidesz passes preliminary test (The Budapest Times, 2010)

Two weeks before the nation was due to head to the ballot box on 11 April, a number of local authority by-elections were held on Sunday, 28 March. Combined with the findings of the latest opinion polls, the indications are that the centre-right Fidesz is set to romp home in the general election, while the Hungarian Socialist Party (MSZP) could conceivably be beaten into third place by the radical nationalist party Jobbik.

Rise of Hungary's far-Right Jobbik party stirs disturbing echoes of the 1940s (Telegraph, 2010)

"We make it very clear that we have no intention to have any contact with Jobbik: not now nor any time in the future," said Zsolt Nemeth, a Fidesz MP and one of the party's founding fathers. "We think they are a challenge to democracy."

Poll suggests centre-right landslide 5 days ahead of Hungarian vote (Earth Times, 2010)

Hungary's centre-right opposition party Fidesz is set to win a landslide in general elections that begin on Sunday, an opinion poll published on Tuesday suggests.

Politics.hu to offer extended coverage of Hungary's 2010 parliamentary elections (Politics.hu, 2010)

Beginning on Sunday, April 11 Politics.hu will be offering extended coverage of Hungary's 2010 general elections, with real-time reports on electoral results and their repercussions.

Massive swing to right expected in Hungarian election (WAZ Euobserver, 2010)

After eight years of Socialist rule which saw public opinion turn from disappointment to open contempt, Hungary is expecting a massive swing to the right in the first round of parliamentary elections on Sunday (11 April).

Hungary: Polls envision four-party Parliament (Budapest Business Journal, 2010)

The latest round of polls published by four major polling companies this week suggest four parties are likely to win seats in the Hungarian Parliament in the upcoming general elections, the first round of which will be held this coming Sunday.

Hungary's Fidesz maintains lead, far right gains (Reuters, 2010)

Hungarian centre-right opposition party Fidesz has maintained its strong lead ahead of an election on Sunday, while the ruling Socialists struggled to stay in second place, according to three new surveys. The two-round election will be held on April 11 and 25.

Hungary: Fidesz retains stable lead, Jobbik loses momentum (Politics.hu, 2010)

With a few days to go until the first round of the general election, the main opposition Fidesz party has retained its stable lead over the ruling Socialists and the radical nationalist Jobbik party, MTI learnt from the latest poll of Szazadveg-Kod released on Wednesday.

Hungary’s ‘Bitter’ Voters Embrace Anti-Capitalist Radical Party (Business Week, 2010)

Hungary’s Jobbik party, which wants to drop free-market reforms and create armed guards to police the country’s gypsy minority, is enjoying the strongest support for a nationalist bloc since the country abandoned communism.

Analysts say election results suggest historic changes in Hungarian politics (Politics.hu, 2010)

Political analysts interviewed by MTI see a good chance for Fidesz winning a two-thirds majority in Hungary's next parliament.

Elections 2010 - Hungary's next prime minister Orban hails Fidesz win (MTI, 2010)

Viktor Orban, Hungary's next prime minister after his centre-right Fidesz party secured a sweeping victory in Sunday's first round of the general election, said that Hungarians had voted for Hungary's future and cast aside years of failure.

Center-right wins landslide victory in Hungarian elections (Deutsche Welle, 2010)

Hungary's ruling Socialist party has conceded defeat in Sunday's parliamentary elections. Partial results from the National Election Committee point to a landslide victory for the opposition center-right party, Fidesz

Hungary: 2010 election digest - April 12 (Politics.hu, 2010)

Updates on the elections hour by hour.

Hungary: Viktor Orbán to become 14th EPP PM in the European Union (EurActiv, 2010)

The leader of Fidesz and Vice President of the European People’s Party (EPP), Viktor Orbán, has scored a landslide result in the first round of parliamentary elections in Hungary. Fidesz received a whopping 53%, an unprecedented result in the history of democratic Hungary. EPP President Wilfried Martens personally congratulated Orbán last night for the result and after the second round in two weeks, he’s set to become EPP’s 14th EU Prime Minister.

Hungary’s Election and Orban’s Choice (ISN ETH Zurich, 2010)

The decisive victory of Hungary’s centre-right - and the advance of the extreme right - presents the mercurial Viktor Orbán with a singular test of political character, says Anton Pelinka for openDemocracy.

Big shift in Hungary’s political landscape (The Star, 2010)

Hungary faces a second round of parliamentary elections this weekend. But voters aren’t holding their breath for the results.

Hungary will recover quicker from crisis if Fidesz gains a supermajority – PM in waiting (The Budapest Times, 2010)

A day after Fidesz’s landslide victory in the first round of the general elections, chairman and future prime minister Viktor Orbán left no doubt that he and Fidesz are aiming to achieve a two-thirds parliamentary majority in the second election round on 25 April: “The greater the unity will be, the quicker the country will recover from the crisis.”

The Troubling Rise of Hungary's Jobbik (Business Week, 2010)

Commentary: A strong showing in the recent election by the far-right, anti-Semitic, anti-Roma Jobbik party reveals a sickness at the heart of Hungarian democracy

What's Behind Hungary's Far-Right Jobbik (Business Week, 2010)

Hungary's right-wing Jobbik party has burst into the news after its strong showing in the recent election. But its roots run deep—and aren't limited to Central Europe

Hungary: Parties prepare election night quarters (Politics.hu, 2010)

Parties to set their place to wait for the 2nd round's results.

Center-right Fidesz secures two-thirds majority in Hungarian elections (Deutsche Welle, 2010)

Hungary's center-right Fidesz party has won a two-thirds parliamentary majority in the second round of national elections, giving the new government sweeping powers to push through reforms and boost growth.

Ruling Socialists Defeated in Hungary Election (The Epoch Times, 2010)

With nearly all the votes counted in Hungary’s second round of parliamentary elections, the Fidesz Party, led by former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, won more than two-thirds of the votes.

Center-right Fidesz party sweeps to victory in Hungary (CNN, 2010)

Hungary awoke Monday to a new political landscape. The Socialist Party that had ruled the Eastern European nation for eight years had been ousted from power.

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Hungary’s Orban Wins Historic Constitutional Majority (Bloomberg, 2010)

Hungarians returned Viktor Orban to power after eight years in opposition, giving the Fidesz leader a two-thirds majority in parliament, allowing him to change the recession-hit country’s Constitution.

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Hungarian laws unlocked by 2/3 majority (Reuters, 2010)

Hungary's centre-right Fidesz won an unprecedented two-thirds legislative majority in the next parliament in Sunday's second round of elections.

Hungary election results official (Politics.hu, 2010)

The results of Hungary's parliamentary elections held on April 11 and 25 are now official and legally-binding, the Supreme Court announced on Monday, a day after the deadline for making appeals.

Hungary's new Parliament holds inaugural session (Politics.hu, 2010)

Hungary's new 386-seat Parliament formed after the April elections held its founding session on Friday. Opening the session, President Laszlo Solyom asked Viktor Orban, leader of the election-winner centre-right Fidesz party, to become the next prime minister.

Hungary's new PM Orban wins parliament backing (Reuters, 2010)

Hungary's new prime minister, Viktor Orban, won parliamentary approval for his centre-right government and programme on Saturday, clearing the way for planned measures to kick-start the ailing economy.

Orbán returns to power as Hungarian prime minister (Politics.hu, 2010)

Parliament elected Viktor Orban, leader of the centre-right Fidesz party, as prime minister of Hungary, and approved the government manifesto with 261 votes for, 107 against and no abstention.

Hungary municipality reform seen from 2014 -Fidesz (Interactive Investor, 2010)

A comprehensive reform of Hungary's inefficient local government sector requires lots of preparation and changes could only be introduced from 2014, the ruling Fidesz party's candidate for Budapest mayor said.

Hungary: Fidesz government plans said to threaten election body's independence (Politics.hu, 2010)

Hungary's Fidesz centre-right government is planning measures which could end up compromising the independence of the body which oversees and adjudicates the country's national and local plebiscites, Nepszabadsag daily said on Monday.

Hungary: Fidesz maintains wide voter support, Politics.hu (2010)

The proportion of undecided voters in Hungary has risen since the April elections, while the governing Fidesz party and its election ally Christian Democrats are still in high favour of the electorate, a poll by Tarki said on Thursday.

Critics say proposed Hungarian media reform stifles press freedom (Deutsche Welle, 2010)

Twenty years after its first post-Cold War democratic elections, Hungary's government has proposed new media laws that critics say puts the country's press freedom once again under threat.

Hungary changes public media's role under constitution (Earth Times, 2010)

The Hungarian Parliament late Monday passed changes to the country's constitutional law regarding media.

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Schmitt Elected Hungary President as Ruling Party Tightens Grip (Bloomberg Businessweek, 2010)

Pal Schmitt, a ruling party lawmaker and top sports administration official since communist times, was elected as Hungary’s next president.

Hungary: Think-tank says Fidesz to benefit from new local election system, Politics.hu (2010)

The Republikon Institute, a think tank, has indicated that the new local election system would likely negatively effect smaller parties and organizations who receive less than 20 percent of the vote.

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Hungary's new president - Fidesz' 'one-of-us' man (WAZ, 2010)

BRUSSELS and BUDAPEST - For the first time since the fall of socialism, a Hungarian president has been elected with strong ties to the ruling party, Fidesz, which used its two-third parliamentary majority to secure victory for its man, Pal Schmitt.

Govt’s man wins presidency (The Budapest Times, 2010)

From swordsmanship to the cut and thrust of domestic politics: former Olympic fencing champion Pál Schmitt is elected President of the Republic.

Hungarian Socialists pick leaders after election trouncing (Peoples's Daily, 2010)

The Hungarian Socialist Party -- MSZP -- elected new leaders on Saturday, following a crushing defeat in spring parliamentary elections after eight years at the helm of government.

Hungarians Fully Supportive of Ruling Fidesz (Angus Reid Global Monitor, 2010)

The ruling Hungarian Citizens Party (Fidesz) remains overwhelmingly the most popular party in the country, according to a poll by Tarki. 70 per cent of respondents—all decided voters—would support Fidesz in the next legislative election, up three points since May.

Hungary: Socialist party votes in new officials, Mesterházy elected leader (Politics.hu, 2010)

Attila Mesterhazy was elected leader of Hungary's main opposition Socialist party at an election congress on Saturday.

Hungary: Fidesz nominates Tarlós for mayor candidate, Kövér may be house speaker (Politics.hu, 2010)

The steering board of Hungary's ruling Fidesz party on Saturday unanimously nominated Istvan Tarlos to run for mayor of Budapest in the autumn local council elections.

Hungary: Governing parties retain popularity (Politics.hu, 2010)

Hungarians are quite optimistic about the prospects of the country and a stable majority continue to support the governing Fidesz-Christian Democratic alliance, the latest Median poll published on the news portal hvg.hu on Wednesday said.

Hungary:Socialist Party new national board holds first meeting, Politics.hu (2010)

The national board of the opposition Socialist Party held its first meeting on Thursday and preparations were started for the October local elections, party chairman Attila Mesterhazy said.

Hungary:President calls local election for October 3,Politics.hu (2010)

President Laszlo Solyom has called Hungary's local government elections for October 3, the President's Office told MTI on Thursday.

Hungary: Governing party alliance has good chances in local elections, say analysts,Politics.hu (2010)

The chances of the candidates of the governing Fidesz-Christian Democratic alliance are good to finish the autumn municipal election with good results in almost all constituencies, analysts told MTI on Thursday, after the president set October 3 as the date of the elections earlier in the day.

Hungary:PM nominates Parliamentary Speaker, Constitutional Court members, Politics.hu (2010)

Prime Minister Viktor Orban has nominated Laszlo Kover, head of the ruling Fidesz party's steering board, for Speaker of Parliament, Orban's spokesman announced on Friday.

Hungary:Local election regulations to change (Politics.hu, 2010)

Hungarians will elect 10,000 fewer local council members than the present 26,000-27,000 at the October 3 local elections, as several regulations will change.

Hungary's strongest leader targets the media (The Washington Post, 2010)

THE LAST TIME he served as Hungary's prime minister, Viktor Orban made himself a persona non grata in Washington, despite his country's membership in NATO. The George W. Bush administration was offended by Mr. Orban's habit of catering to Hungary's extreme right, which still embraces 1930s-style nationalism and anti-Semitism. Ousted in an election in 2002, Mr. Orban spent eight years in opposition before winning a landslide victory in April that gave his party a two-thirds majority in parliament -- enough to govern without help from the far right. Many Hungarians figured that Mr. Orban would temper his formerly polarizing policies. So far, he hasn't.

Hungarian-Romanian joint gov't session planned for autumn (Politics.hu, 2010)

The Hungarian and Romanian governments plan to discuss shared economic development targets at a joint session this autumn, the spokesman of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Monday.

PM Orbán praises new parliament's first two months (Politics.hu, 2010)

Hungary's new parliament has achieved more in its first 56 days than previous assemblies during the past eight years, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Thursday, addressing parliament's last session before breaking up for a summer recess.

No need for referendum on constitution, says Orbán (Politics.hu, 2010)

There is no need for a referendum on a new Constitution, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán declared on Friday. Interviewed on ATV, Orbán said MPs are elected to decide on important issues and turn to voters only in exceptional cases.

New parliamentary speaker to work out new house rules by 2014 (Politics.hu, 2010)

Hungary's newly-elected parliamentary speaker Laszlo Kover told MTI on Friday that he plans to focus on politics rather than protocol in his new role and work out new house rules by 2014.

Government alliance maintains overwhelming support (Politics.hu, 2010)

Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his ruling centre-right Fidesz-Christian-Democratic alliance maintained overwhelming support in July, according to a poll by Nezopont Institute.

Hungary's new constitution drafted by next March, says Fidesz official (Politics.hu, 2010)

The drafting of Hungary's new constitution is likely to be completed by March 15 next year, Fidesz MEP Gyorgy Schopflin, said in an interview with Monday's Magyar Hirlap daily.

Socialist Party selects civil groups to consult on constitution (Politics.hu, 2010)

The opposition Socialist Party has proposed five civil organisations for parliament's ad hoc committee to consult during preparations for Hungary's new constitution, the party told MTI on Saturday in a statement

Socialist politician says LMP becoming Fidesz's "pet cat" (Politics.hu, 2010)

Socialist Party election campaign chief Tibor Szanyi has criticised Politics Can Be Different (LMP) and its caucus leader András Schiffer on his blog.

Parliament to discuss 42 government bills in autumn (Politics.hu, 2010)

The centre-right government has submitted a package of 42 bills for parliament's autumn session, parliament said on its website on Monday.

Jobbik motions to forbid proxy voting in parliamentary committees (Politics.hu, 2010)

Hungary's radical nationalist Jobbik party has proposed to discontinue the practice of proxy voting in parliamentary committees, the party's MPs told reporters on Tuesday.

Support for center-right slightly down (Politics.hu, 2010)

Voter support for Hungary's ruling centre-right Fidesz party was two percentage points down in July following a slight increase in May, the daily Nepszabadsag reported on Wednesday, citing a recent Szonda Ipsos poll.

Hungary: Mayoral candidates must collect more nominations than in last elections (Politics.hu, 2010)

Candidates for mayor of Budapest will need to collect over 28,000 nominations, the Budapest Election Office stated on Monday. The threshold has been raised since the last elections, from 0.5% of eligible voters to 2%. Eligible voters should receive notices for the October 3 local elections and three nomination slips by Thursday.

Hungary: LMP introduces Budapest mayor candidate (Politics.hu, 2010)

The Budapest mayor candidate of the green Politics Can Be Different (LMP) party would introduce a congestion charge for vehicles entering Budapest's city centre, the candidate told a campaign opening press-conference on Friday.

Hungary: Socialists to consider proposal for election cooperation on the left (Politics.hu, 2010)

Hungary's opposition Socialists are ready to consider a proposal for cooperation in the local government election campaign with the green Politics Can Be Different (LMP) and the small Social Democratic MSZDP party, Socialist campaign chief Tibor Szanyi told national daily Magyar Nemzet on Monday.

Two-tailed dog livens up Hungary's election (Reuters, 2010)

A two-tailed cartoon dog offering free beer and eternal life has galvanized Hungary's latest election campaign.

Hungary: Green party issues complaint to police over false activists (Politics.hu, 2010)

Hungarian green party Politics Can Be Different (LMP) has turned to the police with a complaint that people in Budapest's sixth district have been masquerading as activists for the green party and illegally collecting names for election nomination slips, the party told MTI on Sunday.

Hungary: Poll indicates Fidesz set for sweeping local win (Politics.hu, 2010)

Hungary's ruling Fidesz party is set to largely sweep the board in the October 3 local elections, according to a poll by the Nezopont Institute.

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Budapest Mayor Demszky bows out after 20 years (Politics.hu, 2010)

Budapest mayor Gábor Demszky made recommendation to the next city leadership yesterday as he chaired a city council meeting for the last time after 20 years in office.

Hungary: Greens to boycott Socialist ethical code in protest against smear (Politics.hu, 2010)

The green opposition party Politics Can Be Different (LMP) said on Friday they would not sign a code of ethics for the upcoming local elections proposed by the main opposition Socialists.

Hungary: Ruling Fidesz expects landslide victory at local elections (Politics.hu, 2010)

The governing Fidesz party expects a victory in the upcoming municipal election similar to the one it gained in the general elections in April, Lajos Kosa, the party's deputy head said in an interview in Magyar Nemzet daily on Saturday.

Hungary: PM Orbán to assess 100 days in office on Sept 7 (Politics.hu, 2010)

Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban will assess the first 100 days of his government on September 7, the prime minister's spokesman announced on Friday.

Hungary's Fidesz Set For Sweeping Victory (XpatLoop.com, 2010)

More than half, 61%, of decided voters will support Fidesz in the upcoming local elections, according to a poll conducted by the conservative Nezopont Institute for weekly Heti Valasz.

New law leaves small parties scrambling in Hungary (Chortler, 2010)

A new law ushered in by the Hungarian parliament this summer has created greater hurdles for smaller-sized parties in Hungary to get on the ballot for municipal elections which will be held on October 3.

Hungary: Municipality elections: Fidesz not a sure bet in Budapest (Budapest Business Journal, 2010)

The result of the municipality elections in October may be uncertain only in Budapest, daily Népszabadság reported on the latest survey of research company Szonda-Ipsos.

Hungary: Tarlós, Horváth officially registered as candidates for Budapest mayor (Politics.hu, 2010)

Only Fidesz's István Tarlós and Socialist Csaba Horváth have officially registered as candidates for mayor of Budapest ahead of today's 4 p.m. deadline.

Mixed report card for Hungary's new government (Hurriyet Daily News, 2010)

At home at least, the popularity of Hungary's new Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who secured an historic two-thirds majority in general elections in April, remains unbroken.

Four parties to field candidates for Budapest mayoralty (Politics.hu, 2010)

All four parliamentary parties can run candidates for the post of mayor of Budapest at the local elections on October 3, the Budapest Election Commission (FVB) ruled on Sunday.

Hungary: Socialists, Jobbik criticize government's first 100 days (Politics.hu, 2010)

The main opposition Socialist party branded the first hundred days of the Hungarian government as a "frenzied race" while the radical nationalist Jobbik called for more radical measures on Friday, ahead of the prime minister's formal assessment next week.

Hungary: Orbán evaluates government's first 100 days (Politics.hu, 2010)

Prime Minister Viktor Orban evaluated the first 100 days of his cabinet on Tuesday, saying Hungarian voters had chosen to break with the "hopelessness of the past eight years".

TI Hungary says local election campaign spending opaque (Politics.hu, 2010)

Campaign spending in the upcoming October 3 local elections is opaque and recent government-enacted changes on campaign rules has led to greater abuses of the system, Transparency International (TI) Hungary told MTI on Wednesday.

Hungary: Oct 3 local elections will be referendum on Fidesz performance, says Orbán (Politics.hu, 2010)

The outcome of the October 3 local elections will show the extent to which voters support the Fidesz centre-right government, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said in an interview to Saturday's Veszpremi Naplo local daily on Saturday.

Hunagry: PM opens Fidesz campaign for local election (Politics.hu, 2010)

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Friday called his Fidesz party the only political force voters can assign responsibility to for the fate of the country, at a rally opening the centre-right party's campaign for the October 3 local election.

Hungary: Fidesz ready to leap final hurdle to hegemony (The Budapest Times, 2010)

Barring a catastrophe on the scale of an extraterrestrial invasion, the governing Fidesz party will demolish all comers in the 3 October municipal elections. The party will scoop up all 19 county governments and nearly every major city – including Budapest, once the stronghold of the liberal left. Fidesz already controls 68 per cent of the seats in Parliament; October 3 will complete its conquest of national politics.

Hungary: Fidesz lead solid ahead of October 3 local elections (Politics.hu, 2010)

Hungary's Fidesz centre-right governing party kept its solid lead in September ahead of the local elections to be held on October 3, according to a poll by Median in Thursday's HVG online.

Politics.hu to offer extended coverage of Hungary's 2010 municipal elections (Politics.hu, 2010)

Starting on Sunday, October 3, Politics.hu will be offering extended coverage of Hungary's 2010 municipal elections, with real-time reports on electoral results and their repercussions.

Hungary's Fidesz to sweep local election, budget eyed (Forexyard, 2010)

Hungary's local elections on Sunday are likely to cement the political dominance of ruling party Fidesz -- and investors hope that will finally prompt it to clarify how it plans to reform the country's finance

Tarlós: local government to buy public utilities (Politics.hu, 2010)

Fidesz mayoral candidate István Tarlós yesterday vowed to take public utility companies into local government ownership if he wins the election in Budapest on Sunday.

Hungarian TV asks court to block anti-Gypsy ad (Bloomberg Businessweek, 2010)

Hungarian state television says it is appealing to the Supreme Court to block a political ad by a far-right party that talks about "Gypsy criminals."

MTV to go legal over OVB decision (Politics.hu, 2010)

MTV and Magyar Rádió will turn to the courts to contest a ruling handed down by the National Election Commission (OVB) on Monday, press spokesman Attila Kert told MTI on Tuesday.

Fidesz widens lead ahead of Sunday's local elections (Politics.hu, 2010)

Hungary's ruling centre-right Fidesz party has further increased its already huge lead among both decided voters and across the whole sample polled by Szonda Ipsos in mid-September, Nepszabadsag daily said on Wednesday.

Hungary: Ethnic minorities to elect representatives on October 3 (Politics.hu, 2010)

On Sunday Hungary's national and ethnic minorities will elect their local authorities. Following are the facts and figures about the minorities' election system:

Hungary: Elections Committee says public radio's modifying Jobbik ad unlawful (Politics.hu, 2010)

The National Elections Committee said on Sunday that Hungarian public radio MR acted unlawfully when it added comments to a political ad of radical nationalist party Jobbik.

Hungary’s centre-right tightens grip on power (Financial Times, 2010)

Hungary’s ruling centre-right Fidesz party has tightened its grip on power by claiming an overwhelming victory in municipal elections, a result that could bring clarity about the government’s budgetary intentions.

Fidesz in full control after victory in Hungarian local elections (WAZ EUobserver, 2010)

Sunday's local elections held in Hungary were marked by low turnout and an overwhelming victory for the governing centre-right Fidesz party, which further strengthened its grip on the country. From a pool of more than eight million voters, about 3.6 million cast their votes as turnout slumped to 46.5 percent, less than four and eight years ago. Prime Minister Viktor Orban's party took four fifths of the Budapest districts. All county assemblies and 95 percent of the major cities will now be dominated by Fidesz. Only the southern city of Szeged and four Budapest districts remained under socialist leadership.

Right makes dramatic gains in Hungary's municipal elections (Politics.hu, 2010)

Hungary's Fidesz and its Christian Democrat centre right governing partner virtually swept the board in Sunday's local elections as expected, while radical nationalist party Jobbik made gains in the poor northeast and the Socialists confirmed their status as the main opposition force nationally.

Hungary: Is parliament being biased with new media tribunal? (The Budapest Report, 2010)

The Hungarian Parliamentary committee responsible for nominating delegates for a new Media Tribunal (to oversee Hungary’s media business) has allegedly become biased and is only filling suggestions to appoint members of the Ruling Hungarian centre-right party, FIDESZ (i.e: its own party soldiers).

Hungary: Three months to get ready (Budapest Business Journal, 2010)

For the first time since its accession, Hungary will assume the presidency of the European Union as one of a trio with Spain and Belgium. Other newcomers to the bloc have already proven that they can perform a good job, while others’ stay in the position is something many prefer to forget. With very little time left until January the Foreign Ministry controlling the preparation is working overtime to have everything ready. Despite lingering doubts about what the Hungarian presidency may bring, the government remains confident it can take the six months being caretaker and turn it into a resounding success.

Hungary: Local elections matter much more than it seems (The Budapest Times, 2010)

Widely voiced opinions about the local government elections say there was nothing at stake, the result was a foregone conclusion and the campaigning was dull and inconsequential.

Fidesz remains mighty in face of stagnating opposition (Politics.hu, 2010)

Hungary's ruling centre-right Fidesz-Christian alliance continued to dominate the electoral landscape after the Oct 3 local elections and Viktor Orban, the prime minister, was the most popular politician, according to a Median survey in Thursday's HVG weekly.

Esztergom mayor blocked by Fidesz (Politics.hu, 2010)

Fidesz major party has more seats in the local council and doesn't backs the city's elected independent mayor, Ms. Éva Tétényi.

Hungary's ruling Fidesz extends big poll lead (Reuters, 2010)

Hungary's ruling Fidesz party extended its major lead in opinion polls in November, according to a survey by pollster Tarki published late on Wednesday.

Turnout high at ethnic minorities' self-gov't election, Politics.hu (2011)

Minorities elected their representatives on the weekend in Hungary.

Lungo Drom wins two-thirds of the vote at national ethnic minority elections, Politics.hu (2011)

The Roma organisation Lungo Drom scored a two-thirds victory at the national ethnic minority elections on Sunday, taking 37 seats in the 53-seat body, while the National Forum of Hungarian Gypsies (MCF) won 16 seats, the National Election Commission (OVB) said Monday evening.

Voters with children should get more votes in elections, says Fidesz MEP, Politics.hu (2011)

Hungary should explore the idea of giving more votes in the general and local elections to parents, and the more kids under the age of 18 the more votes the parents should be allowed, a lawmaker of the ruling Fidesz party.

LMP spokesman says party to be main challenge to Fidesz in 2014 election, Politics.hu (2011)

Hungary's Politics Can Be Different (LMP) party plans to gain strength in the coming two years to become the main rival of the governing parties in the 2014 elections.

Tiny Hungarian village prepares for fourth election in five months, Politics.hu (2011)

All the 66 currently registered voters in the village of south-western Hungary's Bodehaza have been called to cast their ballots for the fourth time just in five months to elect a mayor on February 27.

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A New Constitution for Hungary, The Wall Street Journal (2011)

An article on the new Constitution of Hungary by the deputy prime minister of Hungary.

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Hungary approves new constitution, Financial Times (2011)

Hungary’s parliament has approved a new constitution. Opposite parties claim hat it has been rushed into law with only a little consultation. They say there is risk that it undermines key democratic checks and balances.

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Parliament approves new constitution, Politics.hu (2011)

The ruling alliance of the Fidesz party and Christian Democrats approved Hungary's new constitution with a two-thirds majority on Monday.

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Hungary's Socialists reportedly preparing for possible early election, Politics.hu (2011)

Hungary's opposition Socialist party is making contingency plans for an early election, based on unconfirmed information attributed to sources within the ruling Fidesz party that it would be in the government's interest to hold a ballot next year, Magyar Nemzet daily reported on Monday.

Bid for referendum on new constitution submitted to election office, Politics.hu (2011)

Bid for referendum on new constitution submitted to election office

Hungary:Mixed electoral system to remain, number of individual constituencies, rounds undecided, Politics.hu (2011)

A new election law that stipulates a mixed electoral system will come out in the autumn, said Fidesz deputy leader Lajos Kosa. Also Hungarian citizens living abroad will have the option to cast their ballots for a single national list. The number of individual constituencies is still being debated.

Hungary:Fidesz may cut number of lawmakers and introduce single-round elections, Budapest Business Journal (2011)

Hungary’s governing party plans to cut the number of lawmakers from 386 to 200, abolish the second round of voting and end the system of compensating for votes cast for runner-up candidates. The threshold for a party to send deputies to Parliament would remain unchanged 5%. The ruling party also plans to allow Hungarian citizens living outside the country to vote.

Hungary Proposes Single-Round Election, The Wall Street Journal (2011)

Hungarian government tries to simplify Hungary`s rather complicated election system. But critics say it will make it more difficult for smaller parties to nominate their candidates. The reform would mean a change from a two-round model to a mixed single-round parliamentary election system.

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Hungary: Election law to be adjusted to public administration districts, politics.hu (2011)

Constituencies in the future will be based on a new system of geographical districts to be introduced in 2013 in order to avoid big inequalities. According to the draft ministry program Hungary will be divided into 150-200 districts and from each district will be elected one MP to the Parliament.

Constituency boundaries to remain unchanged until 2014, BBJ (2011)

Although the Constitutional Court has ruled to redraw the current boundaries of Hungary’s electoral districts to come into effect by the end of this year, any possible by-elections will have to be held under the current scheme till 2014, MTI has learned from Gergely Gulyás, deputy of the governing Fidesz party.

Hungary Ruling Party Agrees to Overhaul Election Rules, MTI Says, Bloomberg (2011)

Hungary’s ruling party Fidesz supports scrapping the current two-round electoral system in favor of a single round and give all Hungarians abroad the right to vote, MTI reported, without citing anyone.

Hungary May Switch to Single-Round Election System, Nemzet Says, Bloomberg (2011)

Parliamentary representatives of Hungary’s ruling coalition supported plans of switching to a single-round election system from as early as 2014, Magyar Nemzet reported, without saying how it got the information.

Török: Small parties unlikely to capitalize on growing voter apathy, Politics.hu (2011)

Noted Political analyst Gábor Török commented on his blog about how many people who voted for Fidesz in the previous election were losing patience with the party and looking less favorably upon them.

Hungary gov't will definitely not stop assisting FX debtors – Lázár, Portfolio.hu (2011)

The ruling alliance of Fidesz and the Christian Democrats (KDNP) plans a new electoral law which provides for 106 individual constituencies and 94 seats from national party lists, Lázár announced in Parliament on Monday. Hungarian citizens without permanent residence in Hungary who are included in the list of voters beyond the borders will be eligible to vote on national lists only.

Hungary govt loyalist Ader set to be new president, worldbulletin (2012)

Hungary's ruling Fidesz party has backed Janos Ader as its candidate for president. Mr. Ader will probably replace Pal Schmitt, who resigned after a plagiarism scandal.

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Hungary: Janos Ader replaces Pal Schmitt as president, BBC News (2012)

Hungarian members of parliament elected new president of Hungary - Janos Ader to a five-year term by a vote of 262-40.

Hungary: MSZP chair says Socialists only party offering “democratic” alternative to Fidesz, Politics.hu (2012)

From 2014 in Hungary a single round elections to parliament will be held and parties will no longer have an opportunity to form electoral coalitions and mutually withdraw their candidates before a second round, thus changing the coalition formation policies by the parties.

Hungary ruling party loses support amid voter apathy, Reuters (2012)

Even though Hungarian ruling party Fidesz is still the most popular, it steadily loses public support. Hungarians are getting more apathetic towards the elections.