ABSTRACT
In this study I identify the main stages of political change in Hungary between 1987 and 1990, focusing on party formation and the process sometimes referred to as the ‘negotiated revolution’. The process of political transition in Hungary can be characterized by three different stages. The first stage was the revitalization of civil society; in this stage social movements started to emerge outside of the communist party and independent initiatives developed within the party. The second phase was characterized by negotiations between the old and new political elites in an attempt to bring about a peaceful transition. It was during the second phase that the civil society was transformed into a political society. Finally, in the third phase, individual citizens were able to take part in the transition process. They participated in a referendum, were subject to electoral campaigns and finally took part in free parliamentary elections.
