The 2016 Referendum in Hungary

Abstract

- The 2016 Quota Referendum concerned the EU’s proposal for a resettlement scheme for asylum seekers. - It was initiated by the Fidesz government to strengthen its domestic and European position but it also contributed to anti-immigration and Eurosceptic sentiments. - The leftist opposition asked voters to abstain or to cast an invalid vote, with a satirical party becoming the central actor of the campaign. - Despite an insufficient turnout Fidesz tried and failed to initiate legislation based on the widespread rejection of the quota system. - The referendum may be a first crack in Viktor Orbán’s power, with new impulses for the left and radical-right, but it also questioned the function of referenda in Hungary.