The symbolic landscape of an illiberal regime: glorifying the interwar era in post-2010 Budapest

A paisagem simbólica de um regime iliberal: glorificando o período entre guerras na Budapeste pós-2010

Abstract:

Since 2010 the Fidesz party, led by Viktor Orbán, has gradually eroded democratic institutions in Hungary using methods commonly applied by illiberal and authoritarian regimes. Previous studies explored how memory politics play a crucial role in maintaining the populist rhetoric, essential for Fidesz rule. This article aims to shed light on the spatial representation of Fidesz power in urban space. Drawing on the literature of symbolic space appropriation in general and the memory politics of Fidesz in particular, I analyze the transformation of two emblematic, centrally located squares in the capital of Hungary: Liberty and Kossuth Square. I argue that the interventions/transformations of these squares inscribe the re-evaluated and distorted “official” narratives of national history into the landscape, turning these places into a hallmark of the populist and illiberal character of Fidesz’ rule.

Keywords:
Symbolic landscape; Hungary; Populism; Illiberalism, Budapest