Századok – 2012

TANULMÁNY - Szalai Miklós: Főrendiházi reform Magyarországon 1885-ben VI/1293

1338 S ZALAI MIKLÓS property census, and would have filled the remaining places with appointed members, thus transforming it into an obedient tool in the hands of the government. The plan accordingly received sharp criticism from both the representatives of historical right and supporters of democratic progression. Profiting from the general protest against the proposal, the Moderate Opposition, led by Albert Apponyi, used it for an attack against the government. The Moderate Opposition aimed at establishing an upper house which would be dominated by the elected representatives of the municipalities. Although the attack failed, Tisze was forced to make a compromise with the aristocrats who were keen on preserving their privileges. The core of the compromise was a diminution of both the limit of property required and the number of appointed members. The House of the Titular Aristocracy thus basically remained the representative organ of an aristocracy which managed not only to preserve but also to increase their wealth.