As in most other areas of the world, Hungarians feel that the H1N1 virus is nothing more than a scare campaign in order to help generate profits for multinational pharmaceutical corporations. Sadly, this view is often reinforced by some sobering facts.
For a second year running, the Budapest July 5th gay pride parade was marred by violence as protesters against the parade threw eggs, tomatoes, and even bottles at participants. This happened in spite of a heavy police presence; there were about two police officers for each parade participant. Protesters then clashed with police pelting them with rocks and even Molotov cocktails. The police, in turn, responded with water cannon and tear gas.At Budapest's Gay Pride Parade
The extreme right National Party of the Police at 7th Asia-Europe Meeting Protest
It's no longer raining in Budapest. Although the clouds of commotion which hung over the October 23rd anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution should have dissipated along with the official end to the ceremonies, they still hang heavy over the capital. Indeed, Friday, October 26th saw a new round of disturbances as groups of protesters blockaded traffic on two major bridges in the capital as well as on a major street. Still, all things considered, the anniversary commemorating the Hungarian Revolution passed off in a relatively peaceful manner this year.
Tensions in Hungary still remain high as a result of last year's lies. It has been one year since audio tapes were leaked in which the prime minister of Hungary, Ferenc Gyurcsany, admitted to lying day and night in order to seize power for power's sake. Ferenc Gyurcsány
Hungarians have become increasingly alienated from the political elites running the country. Meanwhile, extreme right-wing movements are on the rise. Is Hungary now heading down the road toward fascism, or has it been on this road all along?
Copyright Toward Freedom 2019