Satirical Party's Municipal Victory Exposes Vulnerabilities in Hungary's Governing System

Twelve months after defeating the ruling Fidesz party in a Budapest district mayoral race, Gergely Kovács reports unexpected success in reducing patronage networks through straightforward reforms to local procurement procedures.

"You can save a tonne of money," Kovács explained, "just by making sure there is real competition" in both public tenders and property transactions. The prominent member of Hungary's Two-Tailed Dog party highlighted substantial savings to public funds resulting from these changes.

A Challenge to Established Power Structures

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has systematically weakened Hungary's rule of law and democratic institutions since assuming power in 2010, simultaneously channeling profitable government contracts to a select group of associates.

Anti-corruption organizations, including Transparency International, have characterized his self-described "national system of co-operation" as textbook state capture by a kleptocratic elite. The European Union has suspended €20 billion in funding to Budapest, citing Orbán's interference with the private sector and his suppression of media freedoms, academic independence, and LGBT+ rights.

Shifting Political Landscape

With parliamentary elections approaching in April, polling data indicates that Fidesz has fallen significantly behind the opposition Tisza party, headed by Péter Magyar—a former Orbán ally who has emerged as a political challenger. Separate demonstrations held last week drew substantially larger crowds for opposition groups compared to the prime minister's supporters.

An Unconventional Template for Opposition Success

The Two-Tailed Dog party's performance in last year's local elections provides a blueprint for opposition forces seeking to harness protest votes on a national scale. Founded satirically two decades ago with campaign promises of "eternal life and free beer," the party achieved a landmark victory in Budapest's 12th district, ending Fidesz's unbroken control since 1990.

Kovács capitalized on widespread dissatisfaction to terminate that dominance and secure a council majority. He immediately targeted public tender regulations that had been structured to benefit particular interests. According to Kovács, public procurement expenses have decreased by as much as 40 percent in certain instances.

Procurement Reform in Practice

The park maintenance contract illustrates the reform impact. "We had two applicants, which is the minimum, so the EU believes we don't steal, or rather, that Orbán doesn't steal," Kovács noted.

"Looking at their ownership structures, it was clear they were part of the same crew, but they ran against each other." Despite the more expensive submission winning after its cheaper competitor faced disqualification, "still we saved 40 per cent from before," he said.

High-Profile Constituents and Negotiations

Budapest's 12th district ranks among Hungary's most affluent areas, counting members of the Orbán family among its notable residents. Kovács disclosed that earlier this year, Orbán's billionaire son-in-law approached him seeking to convert a former children's hospital into a private residence. The mayor approved the proposal only after securing commitments for substantial investment in surrounding public infrastructure.

Voter Sentiment Shifts

Disaffected Fidesz supporters are readily found within the district. Krisztina, a retired educator, explained that she had consistently voted conservative throughout her life, which translated to supporting Fidesz, but "the Dog party is just as good as any if they are honest."

She indicated plans to vote for Magyar in next year's election, as he is running for a parliamentary seat representing the same district. "What the Dogs could do locally, Magyar will do nationally," she said.

Ongoing Reform Efforts

Kovács continues identifying corrupt practices, particularly involving state-owned property being transferred at reduced prices to Fidesz associates. "Companies had become so used to the same Orbán clients winning all the time that they had just shrugged at public tenders and stayed away," Kovács observed. "We had to make them believe again that competition was worthwhile."

The mayor's approach centers on restoring genuine competitive dynamics to procurement processes that had become predictable channels for politically connected firms. By enforcing transparent bidding procedures and eliminating artificial barriers to entry, the district administration has demonstrated that significant cost reductions are achievable without compromising service quality.

Implications for National Politics

The 12th district's experience has broader ramifications as Hungary approaches national elections. The Two-Tailed Dog party's ability to translate voter frustration into electoral victory—and subsequently deliver tangible governance improvements—suggests that opposition parties may have discovered an effective strategy for challenging Fidesz's long-standing dominance.

Whether this local success can be replicated at the national level remains uncertain, but the district's procurement reforms and fiscal savings provide concrete evidence that alternative governance approaches can yield measurable results. As opposition leader Magyar seeks to expand his support base, the 12th district may serve as both inspiration and proof of concept for voters contemplating political change.

The coming months will test whether discontent with established power structures, combined with demonstrated alternatives at the municipal level, can translate into transformative results in parliamentary elections.