Opposition X-factor wanted
October 6th, 2011The broad Hungarian opposition scene is waiting for a newcomer with the necessary ‘X-factor’ to defeat the governing Fidesz party at the next general elections – writes political analyst Ferenc Kumin. He challenges in his blog a colleague who has spotted possible contenders among the leaders of last weekend’s anti-government demonstrations. (X-factor is a singers’ contest broadcast by a commercial TV-channel.)
Opposition parties are still unable to come up with a serious contender to defeat PM Viktor Orbán in 2014, so it is no surprise that political analysts and the media are looking for a new candidate – believes Ferenc Kumin, leading analyst at Századvég (an influential conservative think tank).
The political scene has changed, so while a couple of years ago a new political contender needed years to build a serious reputation, the new rule is: never say never – writes the former spokesman and strategic advisor to former conservative and “green” president László Sólyom.
Several players (including Éva Tétényi, the independent mayor of Esztergom; a political group “for a free media” on Facebook; and now Kornél Árok and Péter Kónya, leaders of the D-Day protests) all made a certain initial impact, but all also seem to lack the qualities needed to maintain their momentum.
Ferenc Kumin disagrees with political analyst Gábor Török, who suggested that the newly formed Solidarity Movement might prove more dangerous to the government than all opposition party initiatives so far combined. “I would not rule out the possibility that – once they have flexed their muscles – they will assume a more direct political role in future,” – Gábor Török predicted (See BudaPost October 4).
Ferenc Kumin suggests that even minor players can have their 15 minutes of fame. This is bad news for the opposition parties, as it makes them look weaker, and also narrows the chances of charismatic challengers to appear in the future – the public might begin to get ‘novelty fatigue.’