(e-)Participation and propaganda: The mix of old and new technology in Hungarian national consultations
Year: 2022
Type: book-chapter
Abstract: This chapter provides a case study of the use of online platforms for national consultations that target all citizens in Hungary. The Hungarian government, led by the national-conservative populist party Fidesz since 2010, has carried out what is the most extensive series of consultations in contemporary Europe, if measured by the share of citizens involved. The consultations are dominantly conducted using questionnaires that are printed and posted to all citizens, but recent consultations have also been offered on an online platform. Drawing on previous research about what happens when populist actors employ and institutionalize participatory methods, this chapter extends the inquiry to include the use of an electronic platform. The findings of this work show that the online component has so far not led to a new dynamic and, to the limited extent that it had any effect, it has largely been negative in terms of procedural guarantees. Due to the weakness of the chosen technology to prevent abuse, the online version of the consultation eroded rather than enhanced the credibility of the consultation process. The case study serves as a cautionary tale to those believing that e-participation practices 'by default' lead to superior normative and/or policy outcomes.
Source: Edward Elgar Publishing eBooks
Authors: Sara Svensson, Andras Molnar, Agnes Batory
Language: English
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4226201184