The study gives an empirical analysis of the formation of political orientations and sets of values of the youth in Hungary after the change of regime, and it seeks an answer to the question how we can explain the popularity of the political right amongst young people. The authors examine to what extent the trends and value orientations characteristic of the postindustrial societies can be observed in Hungary and to what extent they continue to be shaped by the hegemonic narratives of the state socialist past. Party preference does not necessarily imply commitment to a set of values amongst the youth; the parliamentary left can improve its position in this age group if it is able to formulate an alternative that gives concrete answers to the challenges of modern society (globalization, national identity, problems of employment).