In Search of Subjectivity. Conservatism and Economic Policy in Poland and Hungary

This paper explores the mutual diffusion of conservative ideas in the economies of Poland and Hungary. The authors examine how the coming to power of Viktor Orbán in 2010 and his use of heterodox financial and pension policies inspired the Polish conservative-populist party Law and Justice to rethink its economic program. The latter was up to that time largely permeated by liberal economic ideas. Examining contacts between Polish and Hungarian politicians and the reception of Hungarian ideas and policies by Polish experts associated with Law and Justice, and by party members themselves we conclude that the Polish political and economic discourse in the 2010s was heavily influenced by Orbán’s policy experiments. As to Hungary, the authors argue in line with the existing literature that Orbán’s policies represent a mix that is hardly attributable to conservative ideas, and still allows a certain dose of liberalism. However, what has changed is that the government is now definitely in a situation of power to decide in which sectors and to what extent it allows liberalism. This was intended and can be traced back to key Orbán advisors who advocated a “Neo-Weberian” state that not only pursues but also defines national interests, including economic ones.