Far right political ecologies and the battery sector: The case of the CATL gigafactory in Debrecen, Hungary

The far right Hungarian government has sought to capitalize on the e-mobility transition, aiming to become the world's second-largest battery manufacturing country. While this goal aligns well with the economic agenda and pseudo-environmentalism of the climate denialist-turned government, it has also sparked significant socio-political opposition. This article examines the heated debate surrounding battery manufacturing in Hungary, particularly the Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited [CATL] gigafactory project in Debrecen. This manufacturing plant is the centerpiece of the Hungarian government's economic strategy and is planned to be one of Europe's largest battery factories. Local society and politics are divided into two groups: proponents and opponents of the project. Both sides attempt to secure public support and employ nationalist, exclusionary and xenophobic communication strategies to influence the debate. The article conceptualizes the battery debate within the framework of far right political ecology and argues that both sides are attempting to falsely appear green. The findings suggest that environmentalism is conditional – ecological issues are used to support other-than-ecological agendas – and that enemy creation is strategically employed to strengthen arguments, fostering an us versus them dichotomy and invoking fear – a rhetorical strategy previously associated with Fidesz-KDNP. Despite the strong contention surrounding battery manufacturing – scientific criticism and public opposition – the construction of the CATL gigafactory has continued and e-mobility has remained central to the Hungarian government's agenda.