Invitation: "Hungarian Politics in 2015" - Book launch and panel discussion

We cordially invite you to the official book launch of “Hungarian Politics in 2015”, a joint annual review of Friedrich Ebert Stiftung and Policy Solutions.

This publication is a comprehensive overview of developments, events and trends in Hungary in 2015. It focuses on four broad areas. First, we review the year from the perspective of the Hungarian government, with a special emphasis on what impact the refugee crisis had on the position of Fidesz and PM Viktor Orbán both in the domestic and the international arena. Second, we look at the opposition parties, their state and prospects. Third, we focus on foreign relations, in particular the Orbán government's place in Europe, and its delicate balancing act between East and West. Fourth, we take a detailed look at how Fidesz's policies have shaped the economy and society in Hungary, and discuss the state of key public services, such as education and health. All of the sections conclude with a brief analysis of the issues which may come to the fore in 2016.

The outlook on 2016 will be the topic of the panel discussion which will follow the presentation of “Hungarian Politics in 2015”.

Date and time of the event: 21 January 2016 (Thursday), 10:00-12:00

Venue: Budapest Music Center, Library (1093 Budapest, Mátyás utca 8.)

Programme:

10:00 – 10:10 – Opening remarks

Jan Niklas Engels, Head of Friedrich Ebert Stiftung’s Budapest office

10:10 – 10:30 – Presentation of “Hungarian Politics in 2015”

András Bíró-Nagy, Co-director, Policy Solutions

10:30 – 12:00 – Panel discussion: Outlook on politics, economy and society in Hungary in 2016

László Andor, economist, former European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion

Zsolt Boda, political scientist, Researcher, Institute for Political Science, Hungarian Academy of Sciences

Éva Palócz, economist, Director, Kopint-Tárki Institute

Balázs Gulyás, activist, organizer of the demonstrations against the internet tax

Moderator of the event: Edit Inotai

The official language of the conference is English.

Copies of “Hungarian Politics in 2015” will be available at the event.

Please register before 19 January 2016 at info@policysolutions.hu

We are looking forward to seeing you at the conference.

Sincerely,

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and Policy Solutions