Weird? Fidesz politician not sure whether the biggest opposition force Tisza Party exists
“I am not sure that the Tisza Party even exists”, said Tibor Navracsics, Minister of Public Administration and Regional Development, during a Mandiner Club discussion on Thursday at the Várkert Bazár.
He does not think Tisza Party is real
Navracsics, member of Fidesz, described the Tisza Party as whose candidates and programme are unknown. He said it is essentially a media phenomenon into which everyone projects whatever they want.
He added that Péter Magyar’s first public appearance was the “grumbling of the average citizen,” and many still do not see a statesman with a vision for Hungary’s future in him, but rather “someone who will overthrow Viktor Orbán.”
“There used to be debates back then, now it is just criticism”
The minister emphasised that in national politics, social media and digital solutions are increasingly taking over, and political discourse recently has become much harsher, more personal, and of a lower standard than before.
He pointed out, “Often today we don’t even know what the debate is actually about; instead, we just criticise each other,” noting that looking at Tisza Party’s Péter Magyar’s statements and posts gives some insight into this. He recalled that in the past there were sharp debates, but they were fundamentally about issues rather than personal attacks; for example, the core problem between 2006 and 2010 was the Őszöd speech.
He wants his party to listen to people
The Fidesz politician stressed the importance of trying to find common ground even with those who hold different opinions. According to him, it is a politician’s “duty” to sit down with people with whom talking is unpleasant, whose views they almost completely disagree with, or who they find personally unlikable.
He noted, “In fact, even within my own party, I am in the minority with this opinion,” adding that he believes one should never lose hope that there will be a matter they can advance together.
The minister also mentioned that he created an ethical code in his own electoral district. He said this is effectively a statement of intent that the campaign should be a battle of arguments and ideas, not personal attacks.