The Political Leanings of Hungarians in Berehove
In the western Ukrainian city of Berehove, political preferences are a major topic of conversation as Hungary's April 12th parliamentary elections approach. The city's population of 30,000 is predominantly ethnic Hungarian, making it a key center for gauging the community's political mood. Hungarian is heard as commonly as Ukrainian on the streets, underscoring the distinct cultural and linguistic identity of the area. This region, known as Zakarpattia, is home to a significant Hungarian minority within Ukraine.
Berehove's history explains its strong Hungarian ties. It was part of Hungary until after World War I, then came under Czechoslovak control. On the eve of World War II, it reverted to Hungary before becoming part of Soviet Ukraine in 1945 and, finally, independent Ukraine in 1991. Today, roughly 60,000 ethnic Hungarians live across the Zakarpattia region.
The Hungarian Government's Influence on Ukrainians of Hungarian Descent
The government in Budapest, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, actively supports ethnic Hungarians in Ukraine. It has established several polling stations at its consulates in the region for the upcoming Hungarian election. Many Berehove residents hold a second Hungarian passport, a practice technically illegal under Ukrainian law, highlighting the enduring connections between this community and its historical homeland.
- Laszlo, a local resident, notes:
'Orbán isn't perfect, but he cares about Hungarians everywhere.'
- Meanwhile, another local, Artur, says:
'Just like in Hungary itself, there are people who want Orbán to win and people who want the opposition to replace him.'
It is important to note that since the full-scale invasion began, several thousand people from Zakarpattia have served in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, with approximately one hundred having died in combat. This reality has shaped local Hungarian attitudes toward the war with Russia and government policy. Timbur Tomba, head of the Hungarian community in Kyiv, observes: 'Most Hungarians in Ukraine still watch state propaganda. These people are simply fed lies from television.'
Thus, the situation in Berehove ahead of the Hungarian vote reveals a complex tapestry of history, culture, and contemporary politics. The support for Viktor Orbán among a segment of the local Hungarian population, alongside diverse opinions on his policies, underscores this region's significance in the context of Hungarian-Ukrainian relations. The outcome in Hungary resonates strongly here, as local Hungarians are deeply engaged in the process.
Their support for or criticism of the Hungarian government can reflect their stance on Ukrainian politics and the broader regional dynamic between Hungary and Ukraine. The case of Berehove is not merely a local issue but holds important implications for understanding wider socio-political trends in both nations.
As the political landscape in Berehove evolves, understanding the broader implications of the upcoming elections in Hungary becomes essential. The upcoming election poses significant challenges not only for Orbán but also for the Hungarian community abroad, particularly in regions like Zakarpattia, where historical ties influence contemporary political dynamics.