North Pest deserves better than lazy left-wing politicians. We will preserve the peace and tranquility of North Pest and finally set it in motion.
I think you can go there, yes. I spent the first years of my life in Újpalota, so this part of the city has always been especially dear and important to me. But I can see that these suburban areas are very neglected — they are treated like the stepchildren of the capital. The roads are falling apart under car wheels, the healthcare institutions maintained by the municipality are in a critical, almost unacceptable condition, and in the neighboring districts there is a swimming pool everywhere. Many residents strongly wish for one here as well, yet there is no swimming pool. Yes, I also saw that the request for a swimming pool was submitted to you from the City Hall, right? Yes. This is a forgotten, looked-down-upon district, even though it deserves a better fate because it actually has very good potential.
🎭 Propaganda and Influence Techniques in Balázs’s Message
The text is a classic local political campaign message that combines several rhetorical and propaganda techniques. Its goal is to create emotional identification among voters while blaming political opponents for existing problems.
Below are the most important techniques presented in a structured list.
1️⃣ Creating an Enemy Image
Excerpt:
“North Pest deserves more than lazy left-wing politicians.”
Technique:
👉 Political enemy framing / labeling
Goal:
To associate the opponent with a single negative trait (“lazy”) and present them as the cause of the problems.
Effect:
Readers may form the impression that:
➡️ “The district’s problems are the fault of left-wing politicians.”
This simplifies a complex situation and can trigger a strong emotional reaction.
2️⃣ Us–Them Narrative
Excerpt:
“We will preserve the peace and calm of North Pest.”
Technique:
👉 Group identification (ingroup vs. outgroup)
Goal:
To present the speaker’s political side as the protector of stability and security.
Effect:
The message implies:
➡️ “We are the ones protecting the district.”
This can strengthen feelings of security and political loyalty.
3️⃣ Personal Story for Credibility
Excerpt:
“I spent the first years of my life in Újpalota.”
Technique:
👉 Emphasizing personal connection
Goal:
To reinforce the politician’s local ties and credibility.
Effect:
The message suggests:
➡️ “He is one of us and understands the local problems.”
This can increase trust among voters.
4️⃣ Narrative of Neglect
Excerpt:
“These suburban areas are very neglected — the stepchildren of the capital.”
Technique:
👉 Victim framing
Goal:
To portray the district as unfairly neglected by the city leadership.
Effect:
Readers may feel that:
➡️ “We are being treated unfairly.”
This can strengthen the demand for change.
5️⃣ Symbolic Example of a Missing Service
Excerpt:
“In the neighboring districts there is a swimming pool everywhere… but not here.”
Technique:
👉 Concrete and easily understandable example
Goal:
To use a simple, visible lack to illustrate broader systemic problems.
Effect:
People can easily identify with the comparison:
➡️ “Other districts have it → we don’t.”
This reinforces dissatisfaction.
6️⃣ Emphasizing Hope and Potential
Excerpt:
“It deserves a better future because it has great potential.”
Technique:
👉 Positive future framing
Goal:
To conclude criticism with a hope-based narrative about improvement.
Effect:
The message suggests:
➡️ “If change happens, the district will develop.”
This can motivate voters.
✅ Summary
The message is a typical local campaign communication built around three main narratives:
- Blaming the opponent (“lazy politicians”).
- Highlighting the neglect of the district.
- Promising a hopeful future.
This combination is common in political communication because it simultaneously triggers:
- outrage
- identification
- a desire for change.