1987. Különkiadvány, 1987.10.01 / HU_BFL_XIV_47_2
By relying on this consensus, it is possible to gain support alsó fór tbe cause of economic reform. The program of economic reform must be based on a program of political changé. Outlines of a Political Program Hungary last received a political program in 1956. The present authors shsre the opinion that history has nőt made obsolete the basic demands of October 1956:- Political pluralism and representative democracy in government;- Self-management at the vorkplace and local government in the settlements; and- National self-determination and neutrality in foreign policy. Hovever, ve are convinced that these demands cannot be placed on the agenda in the country's present political situation, vhich vili probably nőt change significantly fór a long time to come. Bút the condition6 have improved fór the similar compromise Solutions that the remnants of the democratic parties and the vorkers' councils proposed in November 1956. After all, vhat ve have today it is nőt a defeated revolution fighting its rear-guard action against a restorational régimé that is settling in. The development since consolidation alsó counts: mass consumption has gained acceptance; the patterns of markét behavior are more acceptable than before; several collectives of Western orientation have been formed in the social Sciences; the official ideology has been relazed, and specialized knovledge has gained in prestige; and the gap betveen the név generation of cadres and the professional elite has narroved. The external conditions have alsó improved: Hungary is more open to the West than 30 years ago; the possibility of Soviet intervention has declined; and the Soviet Union1s leader6 are more tolerant. Starting out from these premises, ve are considering vays to shape the groving dissatisfaction intő goal-oriented political demands. We accept, must accept as given, one-party rule and certain ezecutive prerogatives of the party. We are investigating hov ve could finally raise anev, vithin this framevork, the basic political questions that have been deferred continually since the revolution's suppression. Fór it is time to raise them anev. We are proposing compromise Solutions that fali sbort by far of vhat the people are aspiring fór. Bút these compromises vould produce changes perceptible already nov in tbe relationship betveen the pover structure and society. And their implementation vould permit orderly further progress tovard a democratic, autonomous and independent Hungary. [o •0 10
