Local economic situation, local environmental mobilization and local government environmental policy in Hungary

Drawing on a survey of 600 local governments, it is shown that differences in environmental group mobilization between settlement types and differences in local economic situation explain differing level of perceived influence of environmental groups on policy. The localities where perceived environmental group influence is strongest are those with higher education institutions and a tradition of 'civic culture' or where local governments are using the environment in economic development strategies. This suggests that similar processes are present to those in advanced capitalist societies.