Ungarischer Populismus und Rechtsextremismus. Ein Plädoyer für die Einzelfallforschung
Hungarian Populism and Right-Wing Extremism. A Pleading for the Study of Individual Cases

Summary/Abstract: The article advocates a stronger study of individual cases using Hungary as an example. Comparative studies for the Eastern Central European regions so far could not explain satisfactorily why populism and right-wing extremism arise after a completed transformation. In Hungary such critical phenomena could be observed especially after the violent demonstrations in October 2006. In August 2007 the Hungarian Guards developed from the extreme right-wing Jobbik party, openly resuming the fascism of the time between the wars. The Hungarian right-wing extremism seems to shape a new social movement. Hate against Roma people, anti-Semitism and chauvinistic attitudes have a strong position among society. The Hungarian party system shows strongly polarising features, as both big parties are deeply hostile to each other. Especially the Fidesz party resorts to populism since the defeat in the 2002 elections and softens the borders between democracy and right-wing extremism. The manifold reasons for populism and right-wing extremism in Hungary are both due to historical as well as political-economic and socio-cultural factors. The explanation of the temporary “post-EU accession syndrome” is too weak as regards the historical spectre of populism and right-wing extremism. Althoug there is no alternative to liberal democracy in Hungary, this is not an all-clear situation at present.

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