So it’s official: the opposition has swept Hungary’s vote for European Parliament. The strong showing of center-right Fidesz (56.4%, 14 EP seats) and the suffering of the governing Socialists (17.4%, 4 seats) was expected. Less widely anticipated was the near-wipeout of the government-aligned Liberals (2.2%, 0 seats) and the forcefulness of the not-so-center-right Jobbik’s, er, blitzkrieg, which netted it just shy of 15% of the popular vote, and three big EP seats. But before everyone gets too excited note that the results are similar to those seen in countries across the EU, where lots of people used their ballots to cast a big yes to small parties willing to say no to the established political order, whatever that may be. Meanwhile, the overall turnout for the election is a source of hope, as a commanding majority of 63.4% (more than the EU-wide average of 56.4%) voted “no” to the whole thing by staying home. [politics.hu]
Election Results Show Hungary Just Another Sad and Grumpy European Country
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Yes, one variant is to see the general trend in Europe, another variant is to look at the low % that actually voted and a third variant is that only 250 000 more voters threw their vote for Fidesz/MIEP/Jobbik compared to 1998.
Not so dramatic for 11 years.
What bothers me really is not the result, which was predictable, but how everyone – politicians and voters alike – treated this election as a massive opinion poll without any real idea of what the EP does whilst simultaneously bitching about the EU being an over-inflated bureaucratic behemoth and their elected representatives treating their mandate as an all-expenses paid holiday. Well, you get what you pay for.
Anyhow the result reflects public opinion.The politicians should take it seriously, and some of them should quit the political arena.At least they should reflect upon what they have done wrong.We all know, that this will not happen. It is Hungary.Everything can be explained here and ‘the people’ will buy it. Sadly the turnout also represent public opinion, and general atttitude. Those who stayed home either don’t care, or simply lost ( might not have had at all) their faith in being able to change anything. Old habits die hard.I am not sure myself,do these politicians in the EU parliament represent me (the people)or their party’s interests.
Flash Gordon and the rest of the mszp losers, led by bányarém Lendvai Ildikó are pathetic for prolonging this agony of governing. Holding on to power artificially and at any cost is a suicide strategy in long term (as witnessed by their current ratings).
@FayeFaye /”politicians and voters alike – treated this election as a massive opinion poll” Which is what elections really are, nothing more and nothing less except for ‘entertainment’ If you’re sick or dumb enough to consider it entertainment. Bread and circus reduced to just circus really.