Why is Fidesz so strong in Hungary?

[Estrella]

There are a couple of reasons for that:

- Hungary is a bit similar to Poland in that it has a kind of siege mentality/persecution complex - in Poland's case, it was because of existing between Germany and Russia, for Hungary it's the Treaty of Trianon, when they lost a large portion of their territory and population. This, together with the fact that Hungary never had real democracy before 1989 creates a fetish for nationalist 'strong leaders'.

- After getting in power, Fidesz set out to take control of the media - turning the public TV into pretty much an organ of the party (their news have the informational value of Правда and consist of constant propaganda about MIGRANTS! and SOROS!), running massive advertising blitzes (the economy is amazing! migrants are bad! don't let ((Soros)) have the last laugh!) and straight out buying opposition media, turning them into government mouthpieces.

- The country is, in fact, doing pretty well - low unemployment, good GDP growth, more spending on social services (Fidesz is much like PiS when it comes to economy) and a perception of stability and order.

- And, as Phil said, the opposition makes the French left look like tactical masterminds.

_{(Shouldn't this go to the International General Discussion?)}