Demonstrators, including students, teachers, left-wing politicians and opposition activists, staged a protest for the development of education and the appreciation of teachers in Budapest on Friday.
“Free country, free education!”
The demonstrators urged the government to devote greater attention to public education. They called for a solution to the shortage of teachers, keeping the teaching material to an amount that is “teachable and learnable” and for “liveable schools”.
The demonstration organised by the “Students for Teachers” Facebook group started at St Stephen Square in downtown Budapest, from where the protestors made their way to Fővám Square, chanting slogans like
“Free country, free education!”
Demonstrators on the Szabadság (Freedom) bridge in Budapest. Photo: MTI/Noémi Bruzák
and “No teachers, no future!” Several opposition politicians like Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony, Péter Márki-Zay, the united opposition’s prime ministerial candidate in the spring general election, and lawmakers of the Párbeszéd and Socialist parties could be seen among the protestors.
At Fővám Square, several teachers and students addressed the crowd, calling on the government to increase spending on public education, and on teachers to hold a strike. They asked the public to show solidarity in the interest of the development of education.
Many of the protestors wore chequered shirts, an outfit that has become associated with teacher demonstrations.
Eduline.hu reported about the protest live and estimated the number of demonstrators to be thousands at around 5 PM. Here you may check out their photos of the demonstration. The “Students for Teachers” Facebook group was created in March and organised a protest near the Parliament, in which thousands took part.
However, the war in Ukraine put the movement of the teachers between parentheses, so it did not become a defining issue in the April general elections. Orbán’s Fidesz won a supermajority again, and the education secretary announced this week that the government would not put more money into the system from domestic sources. Instead, they wait for EU funds to arrive and promise they would raise the teachers’ wages to 80% of the average salary of Hungarian degree holders.
Here are two videos:
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Source: MTI, eduline.hu, DNH
2 Comments
Solidarity – is the key word from ALL sectors of Civilian-Citizens life, in Hungary, at this CHALLENGING time.
The education topic – the “broadness” of it, componentry that the List in all the areas of education, is MASSIVE.
It is KNOWN, that this present “Dictatorial” Government, under the Leadership of Prime Minister – Victor Orban – have repeadly “closed off” – listening, the embracing and encouragement of DIALOGUE, in the over-all picture of EDUCATION – in Hungary.
The MASSIVE unease – throughout the Education “landscape” – the “broadness” of it – in Hungary – the atmospher under this Fidesz led – “Dictatorial” Government continues – to be a WORSENING Cataclysmic Disaster.
Education – opens Windows of OPPORTUNITY.
If – from the Family – through to the commencement of the “little ones” time at primary school, if Familys don’t see witness a Government, encouraging & promoting – the “needs” and Benefits of Education – Supporting them, supporting the ENTIRE Education system of their country – its WRONG.
Educators from Universities down – all “places of learning” – it must never be forgotten, that to make a career – in education – as a EDUCATOR in particular – it is a VOCATION.
Hungary – besides STILL unanswered questions from the present Government – on the FUTURE of Education in Hungary inclusive of Pay/Wage Structures – bought into line with 21st century renumeration levals, the MAJOR serious problem Hungary faces is – the ABANDONEMENT leaving of Educators from the system – the experience that has and continues to be lost, through the attitude of this present Government to – Education.
WHAT – is the incentive for the young Graduates & “others” – who are qualified to become EDUCATORS – to actually go into the system ???
What career paths of OPPORTUNITIES are available to them in Hungary ???
Hungarians know – why we have lost continue to loose – highly talented & gifted EDUCATORS – to “other” countries.
Solidarity – orderly demonstrations by Citizens to this MAJOR ongoing disaster of Education and ALL its componentry – is a RIGHT of People – granted them under DEMOCRACY.
REMEMBER – a message to all Hungarians, not just to those with Concerns with the Future of Education in Hungary – but to ALL – through the “worsening” of the FUNCTIONALITY of our country.
“When the Yoke is Broken,
the Burden is Removed.”
Hungarians know – who the YOKE is.
We as a Family holidayed in Australia 2020.
Sydney and Melbourne then Brisbane.
Global media reported and CNN – that Australia going to take up to 195.000 new Migrants/Immigrants a year.
Reports massive shortage of Primary School Teachers and Secondary Teaches.
The commentator – “Windows of Opportunities – Education” – very True.
From our experience – Australia could be WORTH looking at – for aspiring young EDUCATORS and “others” with backgrounds that Australia are looking for.