MandinerTV
„The opposition parties are with Soros, of course!”
Hungarian opposition politicians explained, why they participated at the supportive demonstration for the Central European University. Video.
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Piracy
Galaktika Published Short Stories Without the Authors' Consent
We began our research based on an online caution for foreign writers and ended it with the discovery of a series of stolen works. We found that Hungarian SF magazine Galaktika regularly published articles from foreign writers without permission. The editor-in-chief states royalties are complicated issues in the world and that even Michael Jackson’s agent is unfamiliar with which radio stations play his music, and how many times it is played.
19 March 1944 and its Aftermath: A Perfect Storm of Tragedy and Folly
Regarding the history of the Hungarian Holocaust, two fundamental issues should be considered: the unacceptability of “whitewashing” or “cleansing” the Holocaust as well as the unacceptability of ”blackening” history by denying, omitting or belittling rescue initiatives and anti-Nazi activities in Hungary even after Nazi Germany invaded and occupied the country.
Migration – The greatest EU crisis ever
This is an unendurable state of affairs. No matter what sort of humanitarian approach may be cited, it is insane to allow completely unknown individuals to wander around Europe with no real restrictions.
Infants as Human Shields – Migrants, Media, and Manipulation
This is the game perfected in the Middle East. This is Pallywood, or how to manipulate a media already hungry for sensation, a media already adept at twisting the truth. Sacrificing their own misery and inhumanity, sacrificing their innocent and unguarded children, the actors in Pallywood attempt to extract as much as possible from unwitting audiences around the world. Until recently, we Europeans, we Hungarians were able to witness these bizarre scenes only on the ten o’clock news. But now its pounding at the gates. Quite literally.
Germany is Full – Merkel's Downfall
Mandiner presents: Germany's journey from welcoming migrants to reintroducing border checks. Chaos at German HQ. An 'Untergang' parody.
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Better use the Warhols!
Eleni's Outrageous Response
There's often a morsel of truth in what former US Ambassador to Hungary Eleni Kounalakis says. For example, as she writes in her recent New York Times Op-Ed that on August 27th, the Austrian police did really find a freight truck on the highway to Vienna carrying 71 dead people. Sadly, this is the only point that Mrs. Kounalakis got right. Let's see, what really happened, why it happened and if it really has anything to do with Hungary or the Hungarian past.
Jobbik's Gábor Vona on the Tapolca By-Election Victory: 'The 21st Century has Defeated the Parties of the 20th Century'
Gábor Vona, the president of Jobbik, and Lajos Rig, the Jobbik candidate who has apparently won Sunday's by-election, will not, contrary to the campaign promise, be stripping to their waists to dispel rumors about certain tattoos. Vona says that it is the 21st century that has defeated the parties of the 20th century in yesterday's vote to elect a parliamentary seat for a constituency in western Hungary. According to the party president, Jobbik does not receive any unfair, dishonest funding from Russia, nor from Iran. Mandiner reached Mr. Vona on the phone just minutes after his press conference in Tapolca on Sunday night.
Duff: The only hope for Europe is federalism
Federalism is the only hope for Europe: the no man's land between confederation and federation is not sustainable any more – says Andrew Duff, British liberal and federalist politician. He has just published a book about the future of the EU – we asked him whether it is hopeless to talk about federalism after the rise of euro-scepticism at the last EP-elections. Interview.
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No Dictatorship, No Story: The New York Times Buries an Interview with Nobel Laureate Imre Kertész
After traveling to Budapest and conducting a lengthy interview with Nobel laureate Imre Kertész, the New York Times decides to bury it. Times reporter David Streitfeld's account of the interview and his questions to Kertész differ significantly from the accounts given by the other three people who were in the room during the conversation - including that of Imre Kertész. Rather strange.
André Goodfriend: “We Don't Want To Be Seen As the Policemen of Hungary”
The chargé d'affaires told Mandiner that there are former or current public officials in many countries within the EU who are not permitted in the U.S., but they and their governments never made this information public. Mr. Goodfriend also talked about the incoming ambassador, the visit to Mr. Bitó's salon, and whether the U.S. can understand the special Hungarian interests in Ukraine.
Hungarians, Get Out of the Country! – Approved by UEFA
Hungary recently played a football match against Finland in a partially closed stadium as a sanction for the Hungarian supporters' chants during a previous Romania-Hungary match. Romanian fans at the same match, however, were not sanctioned for rhymes against the Hungarian minority in their country.
Alone Against the World
The Hungarian government's behavior has got us into conflicts where we have little to gain and perhaps much to lose. They simply seem to neglect the possible political price for national and international political actions.
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Hungary and the European-election: leftist numbness in challenging times
This is not your typical campaign before a typical election. On Sunday, Hungarians will vote in the European Parliamentary elections for the third time. But for a number of reasons, the campaign has been unusually low-key.
Vaclav Klaus: Hungary With Mr Viktor Orbán Is Different
"I am not a eurosceptic. And I am definitely not a euronaivist. I am a eurorealist", says Vaclav Klaus, the former president and prime minister of the Czech Republic. Mr Klaus, a harsh critic of the current state of the European Union, came to Budapest to share his views on Europe and its crisis. Interview.
Fidesz's Supermajority in the UK and Non-Majority in Germany
The victory of the governing parties in Hungary raised reasonable questions about the fairness of the electoral law. So I looked at other systems and tried to calculate what outcome would such results produce in other countries.
Fidesz's Encore
Fidesz gained a clear majority, possibly even a supermajority on Sunday. How did they achieve it? What paralyzed the Socialist's campaign so badly? What will the new term of Viktor Orbán look like, and what message did he send to the EU in his victory speech?
Election in Hungary: Anti-Mainstream Parties Are Back in Parliament
Fidesz scored a landslide victory in the April 6 election, propelling the strong government of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to a second successive term to lead Hungary. The old left again suffered a disastrous defeat, while two other parties – the radical right-wing Jobbik and the green-liberal LMP – have reason to be pleased with their results.
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The Return Of The Socialist Zombies
Two stories, two political scandals. The web of old Socialist Party-affiliated networks has emerged again to remind the Hungarian voter of those years that set the stage for the disastrous defeat of the Socialists and Liberals in 2010. Emerging now just a few weeks before the election, these latest controversies might be a big step for the Left - toward a second, terrible defeat. Hungary really deserves more, a better political opposition that can win voter trust.
Hungary: A Memory War On War Memory
They deserved more. The victims of World War II, especially of the year 1944, the year the Hungarian Holocaust began. They deserve a collective, national commemoration. And it could have happened, maybe still could. But the bitter conflicts in the Hungarian Kulturkampf have seemingly ruined the possibility of an honest, collective payment of respects. Did the government fail? Does the boycott of Hungarian Jewish organisations make any sense and can it serve a real purpose?
Hungary and Britain have things in common – Interview with the founders of the Danube Institute
The whole of the West has to understand that Central and Eastern Europe are lost in the woods, but after all, the differences between Anglo-American liberal conservatism and Hungarian conservatism have been exaggerated, says John O'Sullivan. The British commentator and editor, and former advisor to Margaret Thatcher, moved to Hungary to launch the Danube Institute in Budapest. The new think tank promotes conservativism and classical liberalism. We asked him and his colleauge Gerald Frost about the goals of the Danube Institute.
Hungarian Opposition: Much Ado About, Well, Nothing
Once again, we find the good old, critical intellectuals lighting the way for a younger generation of left-liberal politicians. This year's election will show whether our renowned, leftist intellectuals or the right-wing Fidesz machine knows more about the thoughts, needs and wishes of Hungarians, and furthermore, about Hungary itself.
Hungary: Why Fidesz is Still Ahead (Part 2)
Until last week when the opposition parties struck a cooperation agreement, little had changed in Hungarian politics over the last several months: Fidesz is still ahead and is likely to win this year's elections. But can Fidesz and its leader, Viktor Orbán, be assured of his victory? And if yes, how did Fidesz manage this? We continue with Part 2 in our article on why Fidesz maintains its lead.
Hungary: Why Fidesz is Still Ahead (Part 1)
Less than ten months before the next parliamentary elections, the governing party, Fidesz, still enjoys a commanding lead in opinion polls. It may come as a surprise to domestic and international critics of the government, so we tried to find a good explanation for this in a series of Mandiner articles.
Tilting at Windmills: Why Agriculture is Such a Hot Topic in Hungary
In Hungary, amidst warm summer temperatures, a recent political skirmish raised the mercury even higher. Following a vote in parliament on a new law changing regulations on arable land, radical right-wing MPs occupied the speaker’s podium in the chamber and unfurled banners claiming “treason”. What was all the fuss about?
Israeli Ambassador: Hungary And Israel Are In Many Ways Similar
The Israeli-Hungarian relations are special - says Ilan Mor, the Israeli Ambassador to Hungary. According to Mr Mor, it was a good decision from the World Jewish Congress and the Hungarian government, to organize the WJC's conference in Budapest. We have talked with the Ambassador about the conference, the present and the future of the Israeli-Hungarian relations and Israel's current situation in the Middle East.
Can We Learn from the Economic and Moral Crisis of 2008?
Jan-Peter Balkenende served as prime minister of The Netherlands for eight years, from 2002 to 2010, and is now partner for Corporate Responsibility at Ernst & Young. Balkenende, whose experience offers insights about the responsibility of politics and economics toward society and the future, delivered a speech in Budapest recently about corporate social responsibility (or, CSR). We caught up with him to ask a few questions afterward.
Mark Zuckerberg Adores Crazy Hungarian Breed of Dog
According to numerous sources, Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, rushed around central Europe during the final days of spring. He also visited Hungary, but why?
'Tenor-ist' Attack at the Hungarian Border
The year's most absurdly funny news story took place recently in Sturovo, a small town in south-central Slovakia near the Hungarian border. In fact, this story has been happening every day for ten years now, from dawn until dusk. Torture of the masses by classical music? In the peculiar lands of the Carpathian Basin, anything can happen.
Renaissance or Gloom? Jewish Life in Budapest
The World Jewish Congress came to Budapest to warn Hungary of growing anti-Semitism in the country. While there are worrisome cases of anti-Semitism, the capital boasts a vivid Jewish life, with new synagogues and vibrant civic initiatives.
Comments on Kim Lane Scheppele's Testimony
Though "not a blind supporter" of the current government, Dr. Janos Zlinszky, Jr. writes in his detailed comments that "What annoys me immensely, however, is when members of reputable academic institutions abuse their credit and mislead their audience 'verbo, opere et omissione.' 'The whole truth, nothing but the truth'...That is what I would expect a testimonoy coming from a Princeton scholar to be. It saddens me to see the contrary."
Springtime Marches – Budapest At Its Best
March of the Living for historical remembrance and solidarity. Critical Mass for a renewed and liveable city. And both events on the first warm and sunny days of the spring. After a long, cold winter, could this be a sign of hope for more normalcy in Hungarian public life?
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Tip of the Iceberg? Conspiracy Scandal Shakes Hungarian Public Life
Recordings have emerged of conversations between an alleged organized crime kingpin telling the Socialist-era director of Hungary’s National Security Service, “I do whatever you say,” as the two seem to plot against political opponents and decision-makers. The revelation has provided an unusual glimpse into the intrigue of an otherwise invisible underworld and set Hungarian media abuzz.
On Tragic Accidents and Straightforward Commissioners
Viviane Reding has a sense for politics, clearly. But if she aspires to become one of the leading figures of European politics – and in her straightforward way, she does – well, then should demonstrate a sense for diplomacy too.
What Do Hungarians Say about What They Say about Hungarians?
Hungary is popping up in the international media a lot these days. Today, I thought it would be interesting to hear what real, live Hungarians think about what they’re saying about Hungary. A video report.
Citizenship and Voting Rights
After the breakup of the communist regimes, the countries of Central and Eastern Europe rediscovered their kin-minorities and diasporas. With the sudden transition to democracy came a rebirth and re-definition of national identity. In practical terms, this meant national governments reaching out anew to ethnic kin living outside the borders. And this gesture abroad, this new posture, was reflected in political discourse, law and new constitutions across the region.
Szaniszló's Táncsics-Prize: Crazy Awarding of Crazy Performances
The absurd awarding of a journalism prize to Ferenc Szaniszló highlights the nonsense of the state giving out so many awards. Politicians love awarding and very important people love getting awards. But what's the point of this mutual admiration society? Is there any reason for the state to give prizes to journalists or ballet dancers?
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József Szájer: Hear the other side
On Tuesday, March 19, the US Helsinki Commission of the United States Congress held a hearing on Hungary, entitled “The Trajectory of Democracy – Why Hungary Matters.” Among those testifying, only one was from Hungary: Dr. József Szájer, Member of the European Parliament from Fidesz. The Globe reached Dr. Szájer by phone just after the hearing. The following is our interview.
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A City Makeover: Budapest Renovates
CNN Travel recently recommended the Budapest Marathon, held annually in October. Returning health enthusiasts and their heftier (and saner) counterparts will be greeted by some new sights adorning the Hungarian capital. Naturally, a big metropolis lives in constant flux. However, in the last few years significant changes have taken shape here.
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Tamás Fellegi: Zero Tolerance For Anti-Semitism And Racism
Earlier this week, the US Congress convened a hearing entitled, “Anti-Semitism: A Growing Threat to All Faiths.” Included on the panel was Dr. Tamás Fellegi, Budapest native and son of Holocaust survivors. The former government minister’s testimony, which repeated the Government of Hungary’s policy of zero tolerance of anti-Semitism and anti-Roma views, received widespread coverage. Hungarian Globe's interview with Mr Fellegi.
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Kardos Gábor |
How to stop the global world-consuming systemThis is our last choice, the final call and we won't have any other opportunity but joining and supporting Standing Rock movement in order to protect the natural resources of life for this planet. Not for us, but for the planet, for Life.
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Alder Yarrow |
Hungarian Wine: Hope, Heritage and ProgressSo much quality already exists, and so much more potential lies in wait, it's just a damn shame that the country can't get its sh*t together to better promote its wines.
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Christian Caryl |
Europe’s Big Freedom FailIt's time for the European Union to get serious about enforcing democratic standards.
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Sayfo Omar |
On Islamophobia and on its beneficial effectsIt is important to note: the Hungarian national soul is not racist, antisemitic, nor is it Islamophobic.
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Sacha Ostrovski |
Thoughts from Behind the Ironic CurtainThe new club’s arrogance and hatred don’t consider the fact that Hungary isn’t the only country questioning the choices of the past 25 years, but all of Central Europe is!
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Eric Asimov |
Tokaji Wines Are a Taste of Hungarian SweetnessBy the dismantling of the Iron Curtain, Tokaji aszu (TOKE-eye-ee AHS-ew) was almost a historic footnote, a half-forgotten luxury of centuries past. You can now find quite a few superb Hungarian wine producers.
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Timothy Garton Ash |
Europe’s walls are going back up – it’s like 1989 in reverseThe walls are going up all over Europe. In Hungary, they take the physical form of razor and barbed wire fences, like much of the old iron curtain.
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European Humanist Federation |
WAKE UP EUROPE!Since 2010, Viktor Orbán’s government has repeatedly taken antidemocratic and xenophobic measures that openly violate the basic principles of the rule of law.
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Viktor Orbán |
Quotas would spread terrorism across EuropeThe like of this has never happened before. We are allowing in – indeed transporting in – hundreds of thousands of people in an unregulated manner from regions in which the European Union is at war.
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Navracsics Tibor |
Europe, as well as Hungary, are multiculturalIf we are not going in the direction of federalism, but in the direction of nation-states, it is not certain that the whole thing will fall apart.
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Diana Pinto |
A Clash of Western CivilizationsOn one side are politicians like Angela Merkel, Jean-Claude Juncker, Barack Obama and Pope Francis. On the other are Victor Orbán, Marine Le Pen, Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu.
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Andrea Hossó |
The West must stop bullying Hungary and Central EuropeThe accusations against Central Europe are both false and hypocritical. The present surge of mass migration is predominantly a result of Western power politics.
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Schöpflin György |
Why Western liberals misunderstand HungaryThe Hungarian government’s first priority is the rule of law; i.e., its obligations under the Schengen and the Dublin regulations and its responsibility to Hungarian citizens, who expect security and competence.
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Szánthó Miklós |
“May there be peace, freedom and accord”The changes of the electoral system became inevitable because the Constitutional Court declared different elements of the applicable laws unconstitutional twice, in 2005 and 2010.
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Pető Andrea |
Black lace lingerieThe existing stereotypes about passive, home-bound, religious Muslim women will certainly undergo a fundamental transformation now.
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Benny Ziffer |
Why I Can’t Feel Pity for the Syrian Refugees in Europe“Long live Houellebecq, long live Viktor Orbán!” I mumble under my breath, for fear of being lynched if I am suspected of racism and Islamophobia.
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Tom Switzer |
Turning back refugee boats saves livesThe conclusion from the Australian experience is that those who benefit most from tough border protection are the immigrants who come here fairly and legally.
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Ann Coulter |
Refugees: another one for the "not our problem" fileFor at least half a century, the U.S. has taken in the vast majority of the world's refugees. Isn't it somebody else's turn, now?
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