The Hungarian Civil Collaboration Association (Magyar Polgári Együttműködés Egyesület, MPEE) has conducted a study to find the core values that unite us, Hungarians the most—what MPEE has dubbed ‘the national minimum’ in their initiative.
In their extensive polling, they surveyed Hungarians on 33 ‘normative statements’, asking them to rate their agreement on each one on a scale of one to ten. Enikő Győri, President of MPEE and MEP for the Hungarian right-wing Fidesz Party, shared the findings at a press conference at the MPEE headquarters in Budapest, Hungary on Friday, 24 April.
Before getting to what 12 statements Hungarians agreed on the most, MEP Győri lauded the long history of her organization, which was founded 31 years ago; and shared that they deliberately waited to release their survey results until the 2026 Hungarian election campaign season was over, to show that they intend this initiative to be beyond party politics.
She also stressed that their goal was not to prescribe core values Hungarians should have. Rather, it was to find out what the core values are that Hungarians hold in this age.
So, the 12 statements that had the highest levels of agreement among the Hungarian public, as per the MPEE study, are:
- Hungary should not take part in any kind of war.
- The distinguished responsibility of the state is to maintain societal peace.
- The state must represent the entire nation.
- The foundation of society is family.
- The interest of the individual cannot override the interest of the community.
- Schools have the responsibility not only to educate, but to cultivate and build community as well.
- The protection of the vulnerable is the duty of the state.
- Expression is free and sacred, as long as it does not violate another person’s dignity.
- Public discourse should be clear and based on respect.
- Malicious, intentional deception is not acceptable and must be removed from public life.
- The Hungarian society is one based on work, each capable person must work for their living.
- The use of public funds must be transparent, a zero-tolerance approach must be taken against corruption.
The poll was conducted with a representative sample of 1,000 respondents (weighted across age, residence, and education level) in January 2026, MEP Győri told the press. The idea of identifying a ‘national minimum’ of core values came as MPEE engaged in public discourse with six task forces across 100 ‘debate forums’ across the country, she added.
Responding to a reporter’s question, Ms Győri also stated that her organization will be sharing the findings of their study with the high leadership of the Hungarian government.
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