Our World

Violence in Hungary

The article I found interesting this week is the article about the Hungarian people trying to make the current Prime Minister Ferenec Gyurcsany resign. To most people Hungary is a distant place that they probably can’t locate on a map, but I found this article interesting because I have traveled to Hungary in the past, and in my personal opinion Budapest, capital of Hungary, is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.
The conflicts arose when the Prime Minister was quoted saying that the Hungarian government has lied about the economic status of the country. The media published the quote and people interpreted it as if the Prime Minister was saying he, personally, has been dishonest with the people of Hungary. Ferenec Gyurcsany later explained that his statements were misinterpreted, and what he meant to say was that in the last 10-15 years the government had lied, and that this isn’t happening in his government. I agree with the Prime Minister’s decision not to resign, as the media often twists what public figures say in order to create a more explosive story which will catch the public’s attention, and bring media companies more money. The quote was taken out of a very long speech, and when the speech is heard in its entirety the words don’t have the same meaning. The quote is also being used by Gyurcsany’s political opponents to get him to resign. People opposing Gyurcsany’s government have already committed many violent crimes, such as setting cars on fire and violently protesting, in an effort to get their message across. The Prime Minister made it clear that he has no intention of resigning regardless the public pressure.
I honestly hope that the violence in Hungary will not permanently stain the countries reputation, or create a slump in the economy as both would leave a stain on the countries tourism, which would be such a shame, because the country has so much to offer.

posted by Anonymous @ 9/19/2006 10:40:00 PM