Hungarian Democratic Forum

political party, Hungary

Also known as: MDF, Magyar Demokrata Fórum

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June 29, 2026

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The Hungarian Democratic Forum was a political party in Hungary that emerged in the late 1980s during the country's transition from communism. It was one of several new political organizations formed as informal associations, clubs, and debating circles that served as departure points for new political parties.12

The party was part of a right-centre coalition that won the 1990 elections, forming the first postcommunist government in Hungary. This coalition, which also included the Smallholders and Christian Democrats, took nearly three-fifths of the seats in Parliament. The Hungarian Democratic Forum's influence waned over time, and by the 1998 elections, it was a much-reduced partner in a right-centre alliance led by Fidesz.34

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Hungary
Political reforms
…the new parties was the Hungarian Democratic Forum, followed by Fidesz and the Alliance of Free Democrats. Soon several of the traditional political parties that had been destroyed or emasculated by the communists in the late 1940s also emerged, including the Independent Smallholders’ Party, the Social Democratic Party, the National…
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…the new parties was the Hungarian Democratic Forum, followed by Fidesz and the Alliance of Free Democrats. Soon several of the traditional political parties that had been destroyed or emasculated by the communists in the late 1940s also emerged, including the Independent Smallholders’ Party, the Social Democratic Party, the National…
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József Antall
He then joined the Hungarian Democratic Forum (Magyar Demokrata Fórum; MDF), a newly organized movement that soon became the most influential independent political force outside the ruling communist party. Antall led the MDF delegation at the talks preparing the country for the transition to democracy, and on October 21,…
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He then joined the Hungarian Democratic Forum (Magyar Demokrata Fórum; MDF), a newly organized movement that soon became the most influential independent political force outside the ruling communist party. Antall led the MDF delegation at the talks preparing the country for the transition to democracy, and on October 21,…
Read More