The Responsibility of Renewal
It appears that Viktor Orbán may soon withdraw from the front line of politics. It is therefore time for us, too, to reflect on what renewal means for us.
Young People Did Not Decide Yesterday: How a Generation Came of Age in Crisis
On April 12, Hungary voted, and since then young people, many of whom were voting for the first time, have been blamed. Based on earlier turnout rates, young people had not seemed interested in politics, yet this time a significant wave of mobilization took place. I found two possible reasons that may explain this shift, and in this article I examine the social, economic, and other conditions that produced this remarkable level of participation, as well as what shaped young people’s new political consciousness.
No Reconciliation Without Accountability in Hungary
There can be no meaningful reconciliation in Hungary while Viktor Orbán remains untouched by legal and political accountability.
The Modern “Attic Sweep”
Historical vulnerability does not return in the same form, but regulatory uncertainty, fragile trust, and the erosion of long-term predictability can once again become a familiar social experience.
Hungary – Justice or Promise?
Post-transition compensation was not merely an economic issue, but also a test of trust, self-determination, and the promise of historical redress. In Hungary, however, the gap between legal settlement and the social sense of justice quickly gave way to disillusionment.
Democracy: is it a mere political phenomenon, or a cultural attitude?
It is just natural that time to time we tend to think about the quality of our Western democracies, especially in a period when several crisis hit our social structures. As democracy is a system that indeed needs constant work to be maintained, it is not surprising that we are evaluating regularly if it is functioning properly.
Expats During Municipal Elections
Living as an expat in Brussels is one of the most exciting ways to experience life. Part of this excitement comes from the fact that 35% of Brussels’ population, roughly 400,000 people, are not Belgian citizens. Of these, 220,000 are considered expats—highly qualified, well-paid individuals working for international organizations. In this highly livable city, characterized by vast green spaces and a vibrant cultural scene, around 180 nationalities speaking over 100 languages mix.
Missed Opportunity
The much-anticipated debate in the European Parliament took place yesterday. It offered an opportunity for everyone to voice their own narrative, to offer ideas, a vision, and perhaps a solution for Europe. Unfortunately, no one took this opportunity.
