National Civic Party (Hungary)

The National Civic Party (Hungarian: Nemzeti Polgári Párt) was a political party in Hungary during the interwar period. It was formed in 1922 through the merger of several smaller conservative and right-wing parties, including the National Centre Party and elements of the Christian National Union Party.

The party's ideology generally aligned with conservative nationalism, advocating for traditional values, a strong state, and the revision of the Treaty of Trianon. It generally supported the regency of Miklós Horthy, although its stance could shift depending on specific policies. The National Civic Party drew support from various segments of society, including landowners, the middle class, and elements of the bureaucracy.

The party participated in parliamentary elections throughout the 1920s and 1930s, achieving varying degrees of success. It often formed part of governing coalitions or provided parliamentary support to the ruling party, the Unity Party. However, it never achieved dominant political power on its own.

The National Civic Party’s importance waned as more radical right-wing movements gained prominence in Hungary during the late 1930s and early 1940s. Its conservative nationalism was increasingly overshadowed by more extreme ideologies. The party ultimately dissolved or was absorbed into other political formations during World War II or shortly thereafter. Details concerning its precise disbanding are often inconsistent depending on the source consulted. Its legacy is primarily as a representative of interwar Hungarian conservative politics.