Irreligion in Hungary

The tradition of irreligion in Hungary originates from the time of Austria-Hungary and it was a significant part of Communist rule in the second half of the 20th century.

[2] Following World War I, the Hungarian Communist Party briefly took power in 1919 and established a dictatorship, but the regime fell before it could accomplish its goal of state atheism.

Following the unrest, the Hungarian government sought to reinforce its position by improving religious conditions, and Hungary became the first country in the Eastern Bloc to restore ties with the Catholic Church.

Only 46% of the population identified as religious, and only 10% of Catholic Hungarians went to church on Sunday or prepared their children for first communion.

[4] In the 21st century, critics have accused the Orbán government of attacking irreligion as part of a pattern of Christian nationalism and democratic backsliding.