FT: 'Two-tailed Dog Party' Has Weakened Orban's Grip On Power

The new mayor has already significantly reduced corruption.

Discontent is growing in Hungary with the long-running rule of Prime Minister Viktor Orban. In Budapest, a protest party with an absurd name - the "Two-Tailed Dog Party" - unexpectedly won the mayoral election in the prestigious 12th district, where the Fidesz party has reigned unchallenged since 1990, writes Financial Times (translated by Charter97.org).

The new mayor, Gergei Kovacs, previously known for his satire on government, was able to quickly crack down on corruption schemes and spending by simply changing the rules of public procurement. According to him, "you can save significant sums if you create real competition." In some tenders, costs have fallen by 40-60%.

Since 2010, Orban has built a system in which large state contracts were awarded to businessmen close to him. The EU has frozen about 20 billion euros for Hungary, pointing to corruption, pressure on the private sector and rights abuses.

The victory of Kovacs' party has inspired the opposition: it is seen as an example of how a protest vote can turn into a national success. Now the focus is on the Tisza party, led by Orban's former associate Peter Magyar, which is leading in polls ahead of parliamentary elections in April.

Even some former Fidesz voters support change. "Being a conservative doesn't mean you support corruption," says pensioner Christina from District 12. Kovacs is confident that reforms at the local level show that fair tenders and transparency can regain the trust of citizens.

"When Orbán leaves, Hungary will already have the experience of how to build a country without corruption," the mayor emphasized.

You can support the website Charter97.org

MULTI-CURRENCY ACCOUNT FOR ASSISTANCE:

Bank's name: Bank Millennium S.A.
Address: ul. Stanislawa Zaryna, 2A, 02-593, Warszawa
IBAN: PL97116022020000000216711123
SWIFT: BIGBPLPW
Name of the account holder: Fundacja “KARTA ‘97”
Purpose/title of payment: Donation for statuary aims

You can contact us by the e-mail charter97@gmail.com