How to Build Democracy — in an Authoritarian Country | Tessza Udvarhelyi | TED

What Does Living in an Authoritarian Country and a Frog Have in Common?

The Metaphor of the Boiling Frog

• The speaker introduces the metaphor of the boiling frog to illustrate Hungary's gradual descent into authoritarianism over 13 years, likening it to a slow cooking process.

Historical Context of Democracy in Hungary

• After 40 years of state socialism, Hungary experienced a lukewarm democracy in the 1990s, which was not ideal but functional.

• A right-wing government took power in 2010 and has since been re-elected three times, embedding nationalism, racism, homophobia, and disdain for marginalized groups into their political framework.

Erosion of Rights and Freedoms

• The government has enacted laws criminalizing homelessness and introduced exploitative labor laws known as the "slave law."

• LGBTQ+ individuals have faced discrimination; same-sex couples are treated as second-class citizens while sexual education is banned under false pretenses.

• Teachers have been censored or intimidated for speaking out about their working conditions; protests by students have been met with violence.

Current State of Hungary

• Despite being part of the EU and having some independent media, Hungary operates within an authoritarian framework that affects citizen-government relations.

• Many citizens leave due to economic and political reasons; however, the speaker remains committed to fighting for social justice in their home country.

Personal Reflection on Activism

• The speaker describes themselves as a target of government propaganda but views the regime as a temporary obstacle rather than an insurmountable barrier.

Call to Action: Understanding Democracy

• The speaker challenges listeners to reflect on their own democratic engagement beyond just voting or constitutional rights.

• They emphasize that democracy requires active participation ("democracy is not a noun but a verb") through dissent rather than mere consent.

Alternative Movements Within Hungary

• While often overshadowed by negative perceptions abroad, there exists another side of Hungary focused on social justice and activism.

Example: "The City Is for All"

• This movement unites homeless individuals with allies advocating for housing justice. It emphasizes collaboration rather than talking about marginalized people without their input.

Empowerment Through Community Engagement

• Participants gain confidence and political identity through activism. This community involvement is crucial for exercising citizenship rights.

Historical Activism: Occupation Protest

How a Grassroots Movement Transformed Local Governance

From Occupation to Office

• The speaker recounts being forcibly removed from a building by police over ten years ago, and now works in the same building as the head of the Office of Community Participation.

• A progressive candidate from a grassroots organization unexpectedly won local elections against an anti-poor mayor, leading to significant changes in governance.

Building Trust with Residents

• The mission of the Office is to foster a new relationship between the municipality and residents based on mutual trust, power sharing, and respect.

• An example is given about a community garden that was saved from being developed into luxury condos due to active citizen lobbying against illegal fencing.

Everyday Struggles for Democracy

• The speaker emphasizes that democracy arises from everyday political struggles, requiring both those in power and citizens to be proactive.

• In Hungary, central government concentrates power while local districts led by opposition parties practice participatory budgeting, allowing residents to decide on municipal spending.

Empowering Local Communities

• Participatory budgeting empowers locals to vote on projects like bus stops and public toilets, demonstrating that they often know their needs better than elected officials.

• This approach models an alternative form of governance amidst increasing authoritarianism in Hungary.

The Importance of Active Citizenship

• The metaphor of the "boiling frog" illustrates complacency; citizens must actively engage in democracy rather than waiting for it to function automatically.

• Citizens are encouraged to stand up and push political boundaries for their freedom and democracy.

Imagining Change Beyond Oppression

• The speaker stresses that individuals must not let oppression stifle their imagination; envisioning change is crucial for activism.

• They highlight the importance of understanding historical social movements in Hungary as part of fostering hope and potential for change.

Teaching Political Imagination

• One mission is teaching others how to imagine different possibilities beyond current oppressive realities through education and political work.