Since 2010, the government in Hungary, led by Viktor Orbán, has conducted more than a dozen national consultations. These consultations cover various topics, including migration and LGBTQ+ rights.
In these consultations, every Hungarian of voting age receives a letter with questions and options for responses, often just a simple yes or no.
However, many of these questions are designed to elicit specific answers that favor the government’s viewpoint. Media outlets in Hungary often criticize these initiatives as propaganda, claiming they manipulate public opinion.
An illustrative example occurred in 2023 when the government surveyed citizens about EU migration policies. One question asked whether they supported the creation of “migrant ghettos” in Hungary. Out of those who responded, fewer than 20 percent participated, but 99 percent of them opposed the idea.
While these results are not legally binding, they are used by the Orbán administration to bolster its stance on contentious issues, suggesting that these views reflect the majority sentiment among Hungarians.
In a recent statement, government spokesperson Balázs Orbán mentioned the opportunity for Hungarians to weigh in on whether they support Ukraine joining the EU, emphasizing the importance of this “consultation” in shaping European policies.
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Source linkHungarian politics,Hungary,Immigration,LGBTQ+,Media,Rights,Ukraine,Viktor Orbán,War in Ukraine
