Half of Hungary Remains Unhappy for 13 Year
While the successive Orbán governments have consistently claimed improvements in living conditions in Hungary over the past decade, a significant portion of the population disagrees, finding their social, political, and economic circumstances to be quite dire.
According to an international survey conducted by Ipsos, which included participants from 30 countries, only 48% of Hungarians report being satisfied with their lives overall, leaving a majority of 52% in some form of dissatisfaction. This represents a slight improvement of 5 percentage points from the 43% satisfaction rate measured in 2011, essentially aligning with the margin of error for the Hungarian sample.
Out of all participating countries, the survey found an average happiness level of 71%. Hungary sits at the lower end of this scale, while the Netherlands leads with an 85% satisfaction rate. Among European countries, Italy is closest to Hungary with a 58% satisfaction rate, whereas Poland boasts a significantly higher satisfaction level of 72%.
Notably, there was a considerable difference between Poland and Hungary as early as 2011, with Poles being 32 percentage points happier than Hungarians. Hungarian satisfaction has never risen above 52%, whereas the lowest Polish figure was 58% in January 2023, from which it significantly jumped within a year.
Ipsos also inquired into various aspects of both private and public life. Hungarians primarily find satisfaction in personal categories, such as relationships with children (78%), friendships (70%), and romantic partnerships (81%), while satisfaction levels are moderate concerning sexual life (53%) and family relationships (67%).
69% of Hungarians feel loved, but only 53% feel appreciated, and satisfaction with physical and mental health ranges between 52-55%. Furthermore, 63% believe they are in control of their lives, with 58% feeling free to act and speak as they wish, connecting with the political category.
While an average of 39% of participants from other countries are satisfied with their sociopolitical situation, Hungary fares even worse at just 19%, marking an 18-point deficit compared to Poland.
Similarly low satisfaction levels are noted regarding Hungary's economic situation, with only 40% expressing contentment, compared to the 54% average. However, 37% are satisfied with their personal financial situations.
In spite of these challenges, 54% of Hungarian respondents consider their living conditions adequate, and even more are content with their education level and jobs (66-67%). Furthermore, despite government campaigns on "dangers looming over Hungarians," 69% of the population feels safe, slightly below the global average.
Methodology
The Ipsos survey was conducted online from December 22, 2023, to January 5, 2024, polling 24,269 individuals aged between 16 and 74. The sample sizes included 2,000, 1,000, and, in some cases like Hungary, 500 respondents. The results are deemed representative in 17 countries, including Hungary, though they may reflect the opinions of a more urban, educated demographic in others. The margin of error is 3.5 percentage points for a 1,000-person sample and 5 percentage points for a 500-person sample.
Out of all participating countries, the survey found an average happiness level of 71%. Hungary sits at the lower end of this scale, while the Netherlands leads with an 85% satisfaction rate. Among European countries, Italy is closest to Hungary with a 58% satisfaction rate, whereas Poland boasts a significantly higher satisfaction level of 72%.
Notably, there was a considerable difference between Poland and Hungary as early as 2011, with Poles being 32 percentage points happier than Hungarians. Hungarian satisfaction has never risen above 52%, whereas the lowest Polish figure was 58% in January 2023, from which it significantly jumped within a year.
Ipsos also inquired into various aspects of both private and public life. Hungarians primarily find satisfaction in personal categories, such as relationships with children (78%), friendships (70%), and romantic partnerships (81%), while satisfaction levels are moderate concerning sexual life (53%) and family relationships (67%).
69% of Hungarians feel loved, but only 53% feel appreciated, and satisfaction with physical and mental health ranges between 52-55%. Furthermore, 63% believe they are in control of their lives, with 58% feeling free to act and speak as they wish, connecting with the political category.
While an average of 39% of participants from other countries are satisfied with their sociopolitical situation, Hungary fares even worse at just 19%, marking an 18-point deficit compared to Poland.
Similarly low satisfaction levels are noted regarding Hungary's economic situation, with only 40% expressing contentment, compared to the 54% average. However, 37% are satisfied with their personal financial situations.
In spite of these challenges, 54% of Hungarian respondents consider their living conditions adequate, and even more are content with their education level and jobs (66-67%). Furthermore, despite government campaigns on "dangers looming over Hungarians," 69% of the population feels safe, slightly below the global average.
Methodology
The Ipsos survey was conducted online from December 22, 2023, to January 5, 2024, polling 24,269 individuals aged between 16 and 74. The sample sizes included 2,000, 1,000, and, in some cases like Hungary, 500 respondents. The results are deemed representative in 17 countries, including Hungary, though they may reflect the opinions of a more urban, educated demographic in others. The margin of error is 3.5 percentage points for a 1,000-person sample and 5 percentage points for a 500-person sample.
Translation:
Translated by AI
