Politics of Hungary

Politics of Hungary takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic republic. The Prime Minister is the head of government of a pluriform multi-party system, while the President is the head of state and holds a largely ceremonial position.

Executive power is exercised by the Council of Ministers. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the parliament. The party system since the last elections is dominated by the conservative Fidesz. The two larger oppositions are Hungarian Socialist Party (MSZP) and Jobbik. The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.

The Republic of Hungary is an independent, democratic and constitutional state, which has been a member of the European Union since 2004. Since the constitutional amendment of 23 October 1989, Hungary is a parliamentary republic. Legislative power is exercised by the unicameral National Assembly that consists of 386 members. Members of the National Assembly are elected for four years.

On 1 January 2012, a new constitution came into force, which impedes any successor government from changing policies enacted by Fidesz. For instance, Fidesz loyalists occupy councils in charge of the media, judiciary, and budget for nine-year terms. Furthermore, the borders of electoral districts have been changed to deeply favour Fidesz and virtually guarantee that they either remain in power or retain a share of parliamentary seats that is sufficient to block any meaningful change to policies enacted by Fidesz.

The EU and other international organisations have expressed deep concern with respect to these developments in Hungary. On 17 January 2012, the European Commission launched legal action against Hungary over the new central-bank law, judicial reforms, and the independence of the new data ombudsman.