Movement Parties and the Civil Society

The Hungarian Two-Tailed Dog Party (MKKP) has become a significant player in Hungary’s party system in recent years. Since the 2024 local elections, the MKKP has increased its representation in local councils and even secured the mayoral position in Budapest's 12th district. Despite these successes at the local level, the party’s national support remains below the parliamentary threshold. As a result, the MKKP must continue to concentrate on local politics, where their policies are closely tied to local civil society. This research aims to analyze the organizational structure of the MKKP using Peter Mair’s and Richard Katz’s “three faces” theory. According to this theory, political parties have three distinct components or “faces”: the party on the ground, comprising activists and local organizations; the party in public office, which consists of party members holding public positions; and the party in the central office, referring to the party leadership. Given that the MKKP is considered a movement party, its connection with civil society is notably more substantial than that of traditional parties. Furthermore, the party’s organizational development is rooted in collective action and community building, fostering a robust activist base that is less susceptible to political apathy. Thus, the MKKP stands out as a political organization capable of mobilizing voters while effectively representing the interests of civil society. Additionally, this study will examine how MKKP representatives engage with civil society within various districts of Budapest.