liberális

Liberális is the Hungarian term for liberal and describes a political and philosophical tradition that emphasizes individual freedoms, civil liberties, and the rule of law. Core ideas commonly associated with liberalism include protection of personal rights (freedom of speech, conscience, association), equality before the law, limited or constitutional government, private property, and a market-based economy. Within liberalism, classical liberalism tends to stress limited state intervention and free markets, while social liberalism supports a more active role for the state to ensure social welfare and reduce inequality. In the late 20th century, some liberal currents adopted neoliberal approaches, advocating deregulation and privatization, though liberalism itself remains a broad family with varied positions on the size and scope of the state.

In political usage, liberális describes people, parties, and policies aligned with liberal-democratic values. In Hungary, liberalism has been associated with civil liberties, secular governance, and market reforms. The liberal movement played a prominent role in the late 1980s and early 1990s, contributing to the transition to democracy, free elections, and the rule of law. The Szabad Demokratikus Szövetség (SZDSZ) was a notable liberal-democratic party during that period, advocating civil rights, media freedom, and European integration. Liberal ideas continue to influence debates on constitutional reform, minority rights, judicial independence, and democratic governance, often in dialogue or tension with conservative or nationalist currents.

Overall, liberális denotes adherence to a political outlook that prioritizes individual rights and pluralism within a framework of constitutional government, and it encompasses a range of positions from classical to social liberalism.