Role of Hungarian Local Governance in Responding to COVID-19 Crisis

Abstract

This paper analyses and points out the preventive and protective measures undertaken by Hungarian local authorities to halt the spread of the COVID-19 crisis and ensure the safety of citizens. It is conducted in an empirical, qualitative manner. In doing so it covers Hungarian legislation and official documents from central and local authorities. Firstly, the paper gives a comprehensive overview of the Hungarian local government system by highlighting the types and powers of local authorities. Secondly, it discusses the specific preventive and protective measures introduced by the different local authorities within their competencies and then explores some challenges and opportunities faced by Hungarian local authorities. This paper determines the importance of local governance for an efficient response to COVID-19 in Hungary despite limited resources and powers. Accordingly, the state’s long-term investment in local government and improvement is primordial.