How to Build Democracy — in an Authoritarian Country | Tessza Udvarhelyi | TED

"Today, Hungary is in the gray zone between a dictatorship and a democracy," says activist Tessza Udvarhelyi. "This did not happen overnight." In a rousing talk, she reminds us just how close any country can come to authoritarianism — and offers on-the-ground lessons for how to keep democracy alive through focus, determination and imagination. (Followed by a brief Q&A with TED curator Cloe Shasha Brooks)

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[liakiwirose]

Hello from Russia. That's how it works. People don't just turn evil overnight, don't just say "oh we have a dictator now, we like it". People are boiled slowly to a state, when they think that's the onky way things work, there's no chance of changing it etc.

[rosemaryporter]

Start with community and imagine change and action... Love with courage... Thank you for a way to go! With love and strength!

[cryptoterrestrial-OG]

We all need to wake up. Keep our eyes, our brains and our hearts open.

[mariajuhasz-haverinen]

Szívből gratulálok Tessza 👏👏👏 csak így tovább 🤞 Juhász Mária, Stockholm

[dameanvil]

0:16 🌐 Hungary has experienced a gradual shift towards authoritarianism over the past 13 years, moving from a lukewarm democracy to a gray zone between dictatorship and democracy.
0:39 🏛 The right-wing government in power since 2010 has embraced dangerous elements like nationalism, racism, homophobia, disdain for the poor, and a fear of "others."
1:02 ⏳ The authoritarian transformation was gradual but persistent, marked by measures like criminalizing homelessness and passing anti-worker labor laws.
2:25 🌍 Despite being an EU member with regular elections, Hungary exhibits authoritarian tendencies in its government's relationship with the people.
3:36 🤔 Democracy is questioned not by the presence of elections or a constitution but by the actual power citizens feel they have to affect change from below.
5:21 💪 Democracy is a continuous process that relies on active dissent rather than passive consent, as advocated by the School of Public Life.
6:12 🌐 Despite challenges, there is a resilient segment of Hungary's population working for social justice, environmental justice, workers' rights, and quality public services.
8:00 🏙 Grassroots efforts, like "The City Is for All, " exemplify the power of communities in fighting for housing justice, self-confidence, and political identity.
9:12 💡 Local initiatives in Budapest and the 8th district showcase participatory budgeting, allowing residents to directly influence municipal spending, fostering a new kind of politics.
10:06 🌈 Highlighting positive instances amidst political challenges is crucial in shaping public perception and inspiring the belief in alternatives to authoritarianism.
11:05 ✊ Individuals must actively engage in shaping and defending democracy, understanding that change requires personal commitment, organization, and pushing political boundaries.

[agadavictor]

This is insightful and propelling. Many of us take for granted the current window of opportunity to foster our democracy forgetting that the more we allow democratic backslide, the harder it becomes to establish it. Just look at Iran.

[ichbinsehrklug]

The same in Turkey we have constitution and vote but can we talk about democracy. NO! The Hungarian officials and Turkish Officials have a good partnership, not surprisingly the authoritarians always support each other. And, the people looking for human rights, freedom expression, and predictable future should be able to make the same. Thanks for your wonderful speech Tessza.

[Duude]

The crazy eyes are strong in this one.

[harriemeeuwis]

There's really not much difference from other western countries in the examples she mentions about civilians protesting against (bureaucratic) power. It happens in a lot of countries. Same methods, often same results. Possibly the US is different where the reaction of power can be very violent and oppressive. Look e.g. at the suppression of protest against the Gaza war.

[balazstivadar]

Go Udvarhelyi Tessza go! Hajrá Udvarhelyi Tessza!

[isalutfi]

Indonesia juga mengalami hal serupa, berada zona abu-abu, persimpangan jalan, antara *Dinasti Keluarga* dengan *Demokrasi yg berlandaskan teknokrasi/meritokrasi.* Semoga Pak Anies Baswedan menjadi Presiden Indonesia 2024-2029. AMIN

[Carloseopessoa]

I am questioning my self, how in country, where has no democracy, a protester, self- announced government’s enemies. Became a member of municipal government by vote?

[mehtabhussain]

In my point of view when we are well organized within society we create more opportunities then we would enjoy the actual meaning of democracy.

[dilanecemdeniz]

Municipal budget to be spent as the citizens see fit . Love it .

[funeasypapercraft]

change needs consciousness and that is the main obstacle in the middle East, I fell sorry about my country, Egypt doesn't deserve that. 😢

[rawchickensandwich]

Justin Trudeau should give a Ted Talk on how to turn a democracy into an authoritarian regime.

[anand]

What is this woman talking about ???! Hungary is a proud country !!! Stop lies of this woman!

[Finman]

Shouldn’t the CIA be giving this lecture? They’ve done in it in almost 80 countries to date.

[Diongreco]

Someone who's paid by soros open society talks about authoritarian state? Wtf

[cirrus_skylar]

It sounds so unrealistic, to be honest. I certainly admire all the actions of these brave people, but what should people do who are really imprisoned for 8-10 years for an anti-war picket? for saying that we are against the war. I live in Russia, and I feel endless despair from this situation.