National Referendums in Hungary and Albania: A Comparative Perspective

Abstract

he political transformation of 1989 in Central and Eastern Europe was a catalyst for democratic change in this part of the world. Political enthusiasm of new power elites, as well as ordinary citizens in the post-communist countries has resulted in the adaptation of new legal systems, new economic development patterns and West-European political culture. These changes included instruments of direct democracy such as national referendum. However, in particular countries of the region the latter has not been proceeded proportionately. Different dynamics of social and political changes in various countries have substantially contributed to the process of shaping post-authoritarian civil societies. Citizens in these societies were conscious of their fundamental rights and demanded direct participation in the process of exercising power. On the other hand, these dynamics also played a key role in shaping the attitudes of new political leaders in Central and Eastern Europe, determining their views on the importance of procedures such as the national referendum. The ability to achieve a balanced compromise between societies and their leaders on the citizens’ participation in decision-making process is a predictor of political stability and a measure of the strength of democratic principles in this part of the world even today. The aim of this paper is a comparative analysis of legislative solutions and practical application of direct democracy in Hungary and Albania after 1989. The current position of the nationwide referendum institution in both countries is determined by a combination of historical and political conditions, both before and after the political transformation, which