Lehet Más a Politika (LMP – Politics Can Be Different)
EU RANK: 104 (Tier 3: Moderate Performance)
LMP is a green, socially progressive and anti‑corruption party that originally positioned itself as an alternative to both Fidesz and the old left, focusing on environmental sustainability, social justice and participatory democracy. Its electoral weight has declined since its early peak, but it retains a small parliamentary presence and some local representation.
Disinformation and alternative media
LMP uses mainstream independent media, social networks and limited party channels; it does not control a sizeable alternative‑media ecosystem. Studies of Hungarian media and litigation records from 2015–2025 do not identify LMP as a significant source of organised disinformation, although its criticism of government projects (e.g. environmental or urban developments) is frequently attacked by pro‑government media as “fake news”. Overall, its communication is issue‑driven rather than conspiracy‑focused. Disinformation/alternative media DMI risk is low.
Foreign influence and external alignments
LMP is pro‑EU but often critical of specific EU economic and environmental policies, aligning with European green and left‑progressive networks. Government‑aligned actors occasionally accuse it of serving “foreign NGO” interests, yet litigation and funding documents up to 2025 contain no substantiated evidence of hostile‑state funding or strategic control. Its international ties are transparent programmatic alliances rather than covert financial relationships. Foreign influence DMI risk is low.
Media capture, advertising and public service media
As a small opposition party, LMP has no structural influence over state‑captured public broadcaster MTVA or major pro‑government private media. It advocates dismantling media concentration, strengthening community and regional media and ensuring transparent state‑advertising rules, but lacks executive leverage to implement capture strategies even in local governments. There is no indication it has misused public advertising or appointments in municipalities where it participates. Media capture, advertising and PSB‑control DMI risk is low.
Corruption, litigation and institutional integrity
Court and prosecutorial records from 2015–2025 show no major corruption or illicit‑funding scandals centred on LMP; the party appears mainly in cases related to protests, freedom‑of‑expression disputes or complaints it has initiated against government projects. Funding is modest, based on public subsidies, membership fees and small donations, with no large asset holdings or dominant oligarch sponsors. The party’s identity is closely tied to anti‑corruption and environmental integrity, and available evidence largely supports this image. DMI corruption and institutional integrity risk is low.
Press freedom, harassment and treatment of media
LMP consistently supports media freedom and pluralism, opposing Fidesz’s capture of public media and private conglomerates. It maintains constructive relations with independent outlets and investigative journalists, with no record of orchestrated harassment, smear campaigns or SLAPP‑type lawsuits against reporters. Its proposals include stronger protections for local and community media and journalists covering environmental and corruption issues. Press freedom and harassment DMI risk is low.
| Dimension | Risk level | Short justification |
|---|---|---|
| Disinformation & alternative media | Low | Uses mainstream/opposition media and social platforms; not identified as organiser of disinformation campaigns. |
| Foreign influence & external alignments | Low | Pro‑EU green party with transparent European alliances; no evidence of hostile‑state funding or control. |
| Media capture & advertising / PSB control | Low | Small opposition party without leverage over captured PSB or big private media; advocates de‑concentration and fair advertising rules. |
| Corruption & institutional integrity risk | Low | No major corruption scandals; modest, transparent funding based on public subsidies and small donations. |
| Press freedom & harassment of media | Low | Publicly backs media pluralism and independent journalism; no pattern of harassment or punitive legal action against journalists. |