While some Hungarian media outlets have called Katalin Szili’s entry into the upcoming special mayoral election in Pécs this May a forced candidacy, it is in fact a calculated tactical move that stands to pay off richly for the Speaker of the National Assembly. A native of Pécs, Szili’s entry into the race is meant to stabilize the local Socialist Party which is largely in disarray and expected to show poorly without her participation.
Observers have stated that if Szili wins, she will inherit a city that is far behind schedule in its plans to complete projects for its turn as the European Capital of Culture for 2010, among a host of other problems. She would have an exceptionally difficult time turning the city’s recent fortunes around, and failure to do so could permanently damage her political standing not only within her party but among the electorate as well. A loss in the election would have the same effect, only much more immediately.
So why run despite the possibility of it blowing up in her face? Szili, one of a handful of Socialist politicians who are actually popular among the Hungarian electorate, has in the past openly spoken of her disagreements with party chairman and Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány on matters of policy. In many ways, this election could be a dry run for a future attempt at achieving a higher post within the national government.
If she is elected to become mayor of Pécs, Szili could largely disassociate herself from the massively unpopular government as she has already said she would step down as Speaker of the National Assembly if elected. If Szili’s term as Pécs mayor is successful, she would be in a prime position to be a prime ministerial candidate for the Socialist Party at the next elections, not least of which is because she’s one of the few high-ranking party members with popular support, and a Socialist Party struggling to retain support will put forward the few faces that might actually land them votes in the ballot box.
While Szili’s run for the mayor’s office in Pécs certainly could wind up a disaster for her political future, it also holds the potential to catapult her star even higher, meaning it is a far better idea than it appears at first glance.
Sometimes, people complete the dissertation discussion by their efforts. But some students prefer to purchase the superior thought referring to this topic at the dissertation service, because it seems to be more easy.
Sometimes, people complete the dissertation discussion by their efforts. But some students prefer to purchase the superior thought referring to this topic at the dissertation service, because it seems to be more easy.
StaffordLynnette at August 19, 2010 1:16 AM
Now isn’t that fun!A Staffie!As one staffie t nother.be careful dude. my ‘hungarian’ staffie friend did 11 years in Northern Ireland.Be careful of your allegiances.The Queen knocked me back as a ‘spy’ cuz my ma came from Hungary .
Then again Lynette,my apologies.You seek.They wiill not give .They ‘advise’ under anonymity.