New Book: Civil Movements in an Illiberal Regime. Political Activism in Hungary

New Book: Civil Movements in an Illiberal Regime. Political Activism in Hungary

Dániel Mikecz's new book entitled "Civil Movements in an Illiberal Regime. Political Activism in Hungary" has been published by CEU Press.

He addresses in this study the tensions between oppositional civil society and party-political actors. As successive elections demonstrate the increasing confidence of the illiberal regime of Viktor Orbán, left and liberal parties of the opposition have faced a prolonged crisis in credibility. At the same time, the civil society has not been immobile, and bottom-up initiatives, social and political movements, and non-governmental organizations have gained momentum in the public sphere. The ruling power is also active in the extra-parliamentary political arena. Through national consultations, Peace Marches, and other means, Orbán’s governing Fidesz party has mobilized voters outside of election campaigns and has implemented a so-called movement governance. The study offers a vivid examination of this top-down or astroturf mobilization of the regime.