Published: 17.4.2020
„Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing”; Luke 23:34.
This Easter really is different from the previous ones, the Prime Minister was, in fact, right. And not only because our generation, accustomed to peace, is facing unprecedented circumstances as result of the coronavirus epidemic, but also because it has once again been proven that the powers that be cannot live up to their responsibility even in this pressing situation. We could say, of course, that it as us being stupid, as the System of National Cooperation pressed into a tricolor was an ugly lie as soon as it was born, yet one – perhaps just driven by Christian forgiveness – believed again and again that it would be different over time: the pendulum shall mellow down and swing back from the madness. Well, it hasn’t, and the government remains true to itself being incapable of acting any differently. In other circumstances, I would simply call them scum of the Earth, but for the sake of honouring the holiday, let me just use the adjective ‘hypocritical’ to describe them.
The government in power took the threat of the virus lightly at first, saying that migration organized according to the score of the Soros World Conspiracy was a much bigger problem than any impending pandemic. Finally, recognizing the problem and the responsibility, they took a series of belated steps. I myself have supported and continue to support all government steps that will help the protection succeed; this is a clear duty. Unfortunately, however, the big picture is shadier.
In the free minutes of social and public media, advertisements about the nation clinging together and the adjournment of political debates are being poured on us from government money. Nice, refined messages that people wish were true. It is infinitely sad that behind them lies the shadow of rotting intent. As soon as the government saw the opportunity, one of its helping hands grabbed a dagger and it still cuts, stabs and sabres with it wherever it can; mostly, of course, below the belt. The way in which they marched against the European Union and the way in which they are raising a screen of lies between Brussels and Budapest is not only pathetic, but also extremely dangerous. Although they might win a political battle with it back at home for a few minutes, they harm the entire nation in the long run. And the way the government sent all the infantries of the machinery (i.e. from the chief medical officer forced into a clamp, to a MEP to has seen better days through media workers bought for small change) against Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony and the opposition mayors is both extremely pitiful and infinitely saddening.
Because we are now facing a threat that really demands unity and not an intensification of the ideological civil war that is tearing families apart. But no, the government is using this situation too to weaken its rivals by propagandist repetition of conscious lies. Of course, thirteen years ago already, Viktor Orbán has said in a speech to foreign diplomats that he had learned: „When there is a chance to kill your rival, you do not think, you execute.”
As a father of six, I am infinitely sad and upset that once decent people give their names to the disgusting, despicable acts of the government, and that decent citizens, without any reflection, believe everything that flows from the publicity dominated by the ruling power. The coronavirus epidemic is a real threat, not some cheap political product! People’s health and securing their livelihood is a priority to be protected, not a tool for political games! The European Union is a valuable and helpful community to us all, not an enemy! The governing power now operates by means for which there is no excuse. If there is a God, he may forgive them, but as a Hungarian, a father, and a relentless European, I cannot.
dr. István Ujhelyi
Member of the European Parliament
April 12, 2020