HUNGARY
Before The Fall
In Hungary, democratic ideals began to be instituted at the end of 1988, when rights of assembly and association were legislated. By February 1989, Hungary showed signs of a multi-party system, with the leading role of the Communist Party dismissed by the government. The Hungarian Party denounced events in its history, such as the way it handled the 1956 counter-revolution. Further dissemination of the Communist Party was very peaceful. Taking a cue from Poland, round table discussions including groups with opposing views were held. Out of these discussions grew ideas for an open electoral system and the establishment of a constitutional court. The diminishing strength of the Communist Party in Hungary was evident by the end of 1989 with members splitting from the Party to form the Hungarian Socialist Party. (Crampton, 1997, 392-393)
After The Fall
Although most people had lost faith in the Hungarian Communist Party by 1990, there was not yet a party with enough power to take control of the government. After the general elections of March-April 1990, the Hungarian Democratic Forum, which had won the most seats, formed a coalition the Small-holders' Party and the Christian. The appointment of Free Democrat Arpad Goncz was agreed on by the opposition and the government. Economic reform was a very difficult process for Hungary as many financial plans were never carried out to their full extent. The elected government sometimes showed signs of authoritarianism such as putting control of the television of radio budget in the direct responsibility of the Prime Minister once journalists began share criticisms about the government. The initial government of the Hungarian Republic cannot be entirely to blame for failures in economic reform because, after the Hungarian Socialist Party won the 1994 elections, the economic policies that were put in place caused a great fragmentation in the government. Nevertheless, after the fall of Communism in Hungary, Western countries had confidence in Hungary, which had attracted a high amount of investment. (Crampton, 1997, 442-445)
