Authors

Martin Hochel¹;  ¹ Comenius University in Bratislava, Faculty of Social and Economic Sciencesf, Slovakia

Discussion

This research investigates the positionality of Slovak municipalities with significant ethnic Hungarian populations as recipients of state funding for ethnicities from both Hungary and Slovakia. It specifically examines compliance with the conditions of two funding bodies: the Bethlen Gábor Fund and the Kult Minor Fund, as well as use of these funds and the long-term impact it has on the local population. The research operates with around 20 municipalities that have recently received financial aid with particular attention to those listed in both funding programs. By researching the funding of these municipalities, the research sheds light on the discourse of ethnic political identities of the ethnic Hungarian identity in Slovakia as increasing support, based on the concept of membership, can be observed from their external homeland. Over the past 15 years, financial support from Hungary has significantly increased, significantly surpassing that of the Slovak government. Despite this, relatively little is known about Hungary's funding practices. To add depth, data from the annual bilateral negotiations of the Joint Committees will also be analysed. The study draws from findings in my doctoral research utilizing elite interviews, quantitative surveys, as well as process-tracing and primarily targeting the mayors of these municipalities. Preliminary results suggest an increasing alignment with the Hungarian government but also highlight local politicians' inability to unite the ethnic electorate under a single ethnic party at the parliamentary level.

Keywords: Hungarian minority, Slovakia, municipalities, cross-border funding