Tanácsok

Tanácsok was a Hungarian Communist political organization that existed during the Soviet occupation of Hungary following World War II. The term "Tanácsok" translates to "Councils" in English, reflecting their origin as workers' councils that emerged during the revolutionary periods of the early 20th century. Following the defeat of the Hungarian Soviet Republic in 1919, the council system was suppressed.

After World War II, with the Soviet Union's influence growing in Hungary, a new system of councils was established, largely based on the Soviet model. These local administrative bodies were intended to be organs of workers' power, but in practice, they became instruments of the Hungarian Communist Party. Elections for council members were not free or competitive, and the councils were subordinate to the party hierarchy.

The Tanácsok system was a hierarchical structure, with local councils at the base and regional and national bodies above them. Their functions included managing local administration, economic planning, and social services. However, their autonomy was severely limited, and key decisions were dictated by the Communist Party leadership and influenced by the Soviet Union. The system was instrumental in consolidating Communist Party rule and implementing its policies throughout Hungary. The Tanácsok were eventually dissolved and replaced by a new system of local government following the political changes of 1989-1990.