progresszálunk

Progresszálunk is a Hungarian term used in public discourse to describe a stance or approach centered on continuous, collective advancement. The word is a neologism formed from the English word “progress” and the Hungarian verb suffix -zálunk, conveying the sense of “we progress” or “we are progressing” together as a society.

Origin and usage: The term does not refer to a single organization or movement. It has appeared in essays, opinion columns, think-tank reports, and political debates since the 2010s, often as a slogan or guiding principle rather than as a formal program.

Concepts and scope: Proponents associate progresszálunk with evidence-based policymaking, investment in education and research, digital infrastructure, sustainable development, and resilient governance. It emphasizes measurable outcomes, data-driven decisions, cross-sector collaboration, and iterative reform aimed at improving living standards over time.

Criticism and limitations: Critics argue the term is vague and can mask competing priorities or technocratic bias. Its optimistic framing may overlook distributional effects, ethical concerns, or potential trade-offs, and its broadness can hinder concrete policy design without clear benchmarks.

Context and reception: In Hungary and among Hungarian-speaking policy circles, progresszálunk appears in debates about modernization, innovation policy, and European Union cohesion programs. As a discourse, it signals an orientation toward continuous improvement rather than a fixed set of reforms.