The 2016 Referendum in Hungary

East European Quarterly, vol. 45, no. 1-2, 85-97

13 Pages Posted: 6 Sep 2017

See all articles by Theresa Gessler

Theresa Gessler

European University Institute - Department of Political and Social Sciences (SPS)

Date Written: September 1, 2017

Abstract

- The 2016 Quota Referendum concerned the EU’s proposal for a resettlement scheme for asylum seekers. - It was initiated by the Fidesz government to strengthen its domestic and European position but it also contributed to anti-immigration and Eurosceptic sentiments. - The leftist opposition asked voters to abstain or to cast an invalid vote, with a satirical party becoming the central actor of the campaign. - Despite an insufficient turnout Fidesz tried and failed to initiate legislation based on the widespread rejection of the quota system. - The referendum may be a first crack in Viktor Orbán’s power, with new impulses for the left and radical-right, but it also questioned the function of referenda in Hungary.

Suggested Citation

Gessler, Theresa, The 2016 Referendum in Hungary (September 1, 2017). East European Quarterly, vol. 45, no. 1-2, 85-97, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3030867 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3030867

Theresa Gessler (Contact Author)

European University Institute - Department of Political and Social Sciences (SPS) ( email )

Via dei Roccettini 9
San Domenico di Fiesole
Florence, 50014
Italy

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
141
Abstract Views
1,001
Rank
370,717
PlumX Metrics