New Protest Groups Emerge in Hungary

The collapse of the two-party system and the lack of strong opposition forces are leading to the emergence of street activism and protest groups in Hungary. In general these anti-establishment groups lack ideological and institutional cohesion. In the past, most of them were single-issue groups that either disappeared after the debate on that specific issue ended or were absorbed by the traditional parties.

In the coming months and years, the slowing of the Hungarian economy and Budapest's need to apply controversial measures will create a fertile ground for new protest groups. However, these groups have yet to solidify their foundation. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's strategy is to create a strong government that is as distant from Europe as it can be without breaking ties, and has a strong relationship with Russia without completely aligning with Moscow. If the street movements manage to survive, they will add another layer of complexity to Hungary's fragile balance.