Tábori Ferenc

 

Abstract In Hungary, the issue of environmental protection has been at the center of interest since the 1980s. Although during the recent regime change it seemed that it would become an important topic for the political elite and society. However, the economic upheaval associated with the regime change diverted attention from the issue. Based on various polls, environmental protection is important to people, but when the focus is on actions, the picture is completely different. The former phenomenon cannot be considered surprising, since the general trends of Hungarian political culture, materialism, individualism, low need for participation, mistrust of the political elite, misinterpretation of democracy, and nostalgia for the Kádár regime. Attitudes and forms of behavior related to the issue of environmental protection are significantly similar to those shown in other public affairs, and are significantly influenced by the general trends of Hungarian political culture. A change in the assessment of the issue and the attitude towards it can be expected after the general modification of the Hungarian political culture.