East & Southeast Europe

Philosopher Péter Rauschenberger ist co-founder of the Hungarian green party (LMP), which he left in January 2013. In his article he gives an overview on the different actors of the “democratic opposition” under the Orbán government and explains, why they struggle to build stable alliences.

The focal points of the offices are supporting democratic and constitutional reform processes in the region and strengthening civil society. They work with journalists, lawyers and political scientists, initiate media debates, organize workshops and advise reform-oriented political forces and groups.

The Heinrich Boell Foundation (HBF) in the South Caucasus (SC) contributes to the democratization process of the countries of the SC. We support initiatives, which form and strengthen an inclusive political culture that opens room for public participation on democratic development, socio-ecological transformation and gender democracy.

Our main focus points are the promotion of democratic reform within Turkey, the future of Turkish energy policy, and the development of rural regions.

In an interview, political scientist Vladimíra Dvořáková of the University of Economics, Prague, enumerates the causes of the current turbulence on the Czech political scene.

A few months after Miloš Zeman first took office as president, we are now seeing the logical outcome of introducing a semi-presidential system. The current clash between the president and the Czech Parliament is a direct result of the political redistribution of power and could significantly influence the future form of the relationships between the government, the parliament, and the president.

On Wednesday, the 7th August, the Czech government loses the confidence vote in parliament. True victor of the battle for power is President Miloš Zeman because he has created a very strong power center and is now dominating the political space.

The political crisis in the Czech Republic, which led to the fall of the government, was triggered by police investigation. The prosecution of three former MPs in the country triggered heated debates and reactions.

Croatia becomes the 28th member of the European Union after a decade of negotiations. The hope that it will now go up with the economy, slightly and widespread corruption in the country far. The dossier provides a collection of articles about the likely changes in ten key areas of social life.