Direct Democracy in Hungary and Poland in 1989-2023: A Comparative Analysis

• In Event: Democratic Erosion in Central and Eastern Europe

Abstract

In the modern world, representative democracy is the dominant form of state power exercise. Nevertheless, in individual systems, we are dealing with its supplementation in the form of institutions that are characteristic of direct democracy. The range and diversity of direct democratic institutions used are influenced by many factors, including tradition, historical experience, political philosophy, and political will. The recourse to the institution of direct democracy may serve the citizens themselves, who take a direct part in the political decision-making process, and the ruling elite, who can legitimize their power.
The aim of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of direct democracy in Hungary and Poland, including: 1) a diagnosis of the state of democratic processes taking place in both countries; 2) synthesis and analysis of direct democratic institutions used in both countries; and 3) analysis and comparative implementation of solutions characteristic of direct democracy on the national and local scales of both countries.
In the research process, three research questions were formulated: 1) What is the tradition of direct democracy in Hungary and Poland?2) What are the solution characteristics of direct democracy in the constitutions of Hungary and Poland and other legal acts in these countries? 3) What are the practical applications of direct democratic tools at national and local levels in Hungary and Poland?.
The following research hypotheses are subject to verification: 1) direct democracy operates in Hungary and Poland at both the national and local levels; 2) the use of instruments of direct democracy in the process of exercising power is a determinant of political awareness of the societies of both states covered by the analysis; and 3) the accession process of Hungary and Poland to the European Union affected the development of direct democracy in both countries.
To verify the research hypotheses, a methodology appropriate to the social sciences, especially political science, was used. An analysis of legal acts constituting the legal basis for direct democracy in Hungary and Poland will be conducted. Documents relating to the practice of direct democracy in these countries were analyzed.

Author

• Maria Marczewska-Rytko, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University