Hungary:Extreme-Right in Democratic Forum
01 January 1991
Hungary:Extreme-Right in Democratic Forum
artdoc April=1993
Supporters of Istvan Csurka, who has made a series of public
statements blaming Hungary's problems on liberals, Jews, and
western financiers, have gained one quarter of the seats on the
Democratic Forum's newly-created presidium - its key policy
committee. The Hungarian Democratic Forum is the largest party
in Hungary's ruling coalition government.
Meanwhile, Rabbi Tamas Raj, an MP for the Free Democrats, has
warned that anti-Semitism is being used as a political tool in
Hungary by the likes of Istvan Csurka (Guardian 25.1.93, Jewish
Chronicle 29.1.93)
Parliament discusses new incitement laws
The Hungarian parliament is debating a new law to clamp down on
incitement to race hatred. However, although most agreed new law
is needed, there is considerable disagreement as to what form it
should take.
The Democratic Forum wants to amend the original motion put
forward by a Foreign Office Committee so that Hungarians and
Christians could be legally protected against discrimination. It
also wants a debate on both left and rightwing extremism, arguing
that the wearing of both fascist and communist symbols should be
equally condemned (Magyar Hirlap 25.2.93).
The opening of the Spring session of parliament also saw
Isabella B Kiraly MP defending herself after she was personally
criticised for receiving a delegation of skinheads last October.
The skinheads were apparently known to have taken part in
disturbances at a ceremony commemorating the Hungarian uprising
of 1956.
Ms Kiraly compared the skinheads to `lost children' to whom
society had an obligation. But Peter Boross MP pointed out that,
as the youth donned swastikas, they w ere no ordinary youth
(Magyar Hirlap 2.2.93).
Exploitation of Romanian Gypsies
Romanian Gypsies have been kept in conditions of virtual slavery
by Hungarian farmers,according to an expose in the Magyar Nemzet
newspaper. Fifty-one farmers from near the southern city of Mako
have been fined for employing illegal workers (Independent
4.2.93).
Racism fascism Europe
IRR European Race Audit no 3, 1993.
Contact: Liz Fekete, Institute of Race Relations,
2-6 Leeke Street, London WC1X 9HS. Tel: ++ 071 837 0041