How to build democracy — in an authoritarian country | Tessza Udvarhelyi | Ted Talks Daily

Intro

In this episode of Ted Talks Daily, Tessa Udvarhelyi shares her insights on how to build democracy in an authoritarian country, focusing on the case of Hungary. She discusses the gradual descent into authoritarianism over 13 years, the government’s embrace of nationalism and discrimination, and the challenges faced by activists fighting for social justice and democracy. Tessa emphasizes the importance of individual action and the power of imagination in creating a more democratic society.

Main Takeaways

Challenges of Authoritarianism

• Hungary’s gradual descent into authoritarianism over 13 years.
• The government’s embrace of nationalism, racism, homophobia, and disdain for the poor.
• Examples of anti-worker labor laws, discrimination against LGBTQ individuals, and censorship of educators.

Fighting for Democracy

• Tessa’s commitment to fighting for social justice and democracy in her home country.
• Encouragement for listeners to consider their own influence and power in their communities.
• Democracy is not a noun but a verb; it only exists if we do it.
• Democracy is about dissent, conflict, struggle, and change, not just consent.

Building an Alternative

• The existence of people and organizations working for social justice, environmental justice, workers’ rights, and quality public services in Hungary.
• The importance of changing the visible reality around us to expand what we believe is possible.
• The example of “The city is for all,” a housing movement in Hungary that fights for housing justice and involves homeless individuals and their housed allies.
• Success stories of activists occupying the mayor’s office and winning local elections, leading to new relationships between municipalities and residents.
• Participatory budgeting in Budapest empowering local residents to decide how to spend part of the municipal budget.

Summary

Challenges of Authoritarianism

Tessa Udvarhelyi highlights the gradual descent of Hungary into authoritarianism over a span of 13 years. The government has embraced nationalism, racism, homophobia, and a disdain for the poor. This has manifested in anti-worker labor laws, discrimination against LGBTQ individuals, and censorship of educators. These actions have eroded democratic values and created significant challenges for those fighting for social justice and democracy in Hungary.

Fighting for Democracy

Tessa shares her personal commitment to fighting for social justice and democracy in her home country. She encourages listeners to recognize their own influence and power within their communities. Democracy is not a static concept but an ongoing process that requires active participation. Tessa emphasizes the importance of dissent, conflict, struggle, and change in shaping a truly democratic society.

Building an Alternative

Despite the authoritarian tendencies in Hungary, there is another side composed of individuals and organizations working towards social justice, environmental justice, workers’ rights, and quality public services. Tessa emphasizes the importance of changing the visible reality around us to expand what we believe is possible. She highlights the inspiring example of “The city is for all,” a housing movement in Hungary that brings together homeless individuals and their housed allies to fight for housing justice. This movement challenges the notion that homelessness should be criminalized and works towards restoring self-confidence, belonging, and political identity among the homeless population.

Tessa also shares success stories of activists occupying the mayor’s office, winning local elections, and establishing new relationships between municipalities and residents. These examples demonstrate the power of collective action and grassroots organizing in creating change. Additionally, participatory budgeting in Budapest empowers local residents to have a say in how a portion of the municipal budget is spent, giving them a direct role in decision-making and challenging traditional power dynamics.

Conclusion

Tessa Udvarhelyi’s talk sheds light on the challenges faced in building democracy in an authoritarian country like Hungary. However, it also highlights the resilience and determination of individuals and organizations fighting for social justice and democracy. By recognizing our own power and taking action, we can contribute to the ongoing struggle for a more democratic society. Democracy is not just a concept but a continuous process that requires active participation and engagement from all citizens.