4 critical instances when the Hungarian state failed its citizens

The failures of the Hungarian state, tightly controlled by the government, extend beyond child protection to areas such as assistance for Ukrainian refugees, healthcare and education. At a recent mass demonstration in Hungary, a prevailing sentiment was the belief that the state has failed its citizens.

Childcare

Edina Pottyondy, a prominent YouTuber and organiser of the event, voiced concerns about the failure to address child abuse and protect children. She cited the scandal involving Katalin Novák, the former head of state, Judit Varga, the former Minister of Justice and Zoltán Balog, former bishop of the Reformed Church and their handling of pardons. Zsolt Osváth, another YouTuber and organiser of the protest, highlighted that children in institutions receive only HUF 72,000 (EUR 186) annually for clothing and bedding. The organisers (including Márton Gulyás, activist, and YouTuber) revealed the establishment of a fund in collaboration with the Street to Home Association to assist an abused boy who had become homeless upon leaving state care. According to RTL, their goal was to raise HUF 25 million (EUR 64,613) by Sunday for his housing and support, which they surpassed, collecting a total amount of HUF 204 million (EUR 527,242). The conclusion of this whole situation is that:

Civil society stepped in where the government and state failed to address the issue at hand, highlighting a significant gap in responsibility.

Welcoming of refugees

Two years ago, when Russia invaded Ukraine, the government’s delayed response left refugees in limbo. By the time the BOK hall was designated to shelter them, the influx had subsided. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s visit to refugees in Debrecen, where he famously told a Ukrainian woman “I am glad to see you,” highlighted the government’s disarray in handling the crisis. In contrast, civilians in the Keleti Railway Station stepped up, organising aid seamlessly and efficiently. This scenario was similar to the response during the unprecedented refugee wave in 2015, where private individuals and NGOs mobilised to provide care, reception and information to refugees.

A failing healthcare

The healthcare sector is another domain where the state consistently fails to fulfill its obligations. Recent reform attempts have been insufficient; for instance, in December alone, patients had to endure waiting times of 387 days for hip replacement surgery in Tolna County, 448 days for corneal surgery nationwide, and a staggering 726 days for knee replacement surgery in Szombathely (Vas County). Recently, Péter Álmos, President of the Hungarian Medical Chamber, highlighted Hungary’s ongoing transition in public healthcare. Proposed alterations in smaller hospitals could result in limited availability of acute care, potentially posing challenges for timely and suitable treatment, particularly in areas with varying geographical conditions. He also expressed concerns about the healthcare system’s future and encourages individuals to consider “self-care,” meaning that besides contributing to social security, having private insurance could prove beneficial in the future.

Educational system

In the educational system, public failures are evident, indicating an alarming trend. Parents navigating school choices for their children must inquire about essential aspects of prospective institutions, including the availability of teachers for crucial subjects like physics, chemistry and mathematics. Moreover, questions regarding contributions to class funds for basic necessities like toilet paper and classroom renovations are necessary. Recent concerns extend to inquiries about funding for classroom air-conditioning to ensure a conducive learning environment. These responsibilities should fall under the jurisdiction of the government, as mandated in the Fundamental Law, which guarantees primary and secondary education for free. However, consistent administrative shortcomings highlight the state’s inability to fulfil its educational duties effectively.

Read also:

• Torchlight protesters march in Budapest to the Parliament – HERE
• Hungary to take action against foreigners working in the country illegally – HERE