Hungarian police detained 16 anti-government protesters in Budapest yesterday as they tried to disrupt celebrations of the country’s national holiday.
Anti-government sentiment has increased in Hungary, where job losses are mounting due to a severe economic downturn, and many people blame prime minister Ferenc Gyurcsany’s minority Socialist government for not doing more.
Yesterday’s national holiday drew about 1,000 demonstrators to the centre of the capital, where Budapest’s liberal mayor, Gabor Demszky, was giving a speech. A police spokeswoman said six people were detained after scuffles broke out.
“They disturbed the celebrations with shouting and there was some tussling as well,” said Eva Tafferner. Police detained 10 other anti-government protesters in separate incidents, and banned three demonstrations planned by radical right-wing anti-government groups for later in the day.
Another rally in Budapest by the main opposition Fidesz party attracted thousands of people and passed off peacefully.
Hungary is one of the hardest hit countries in central eastern Europe by the global economic crisis and had to resort to a $25.1 billion International Monetary Fund-led rescue package last year to stave off financial meltdown.
Also yesterday, supporters of the far-right radical organisation Hungarian Guard gathered in one of Budapest’s main squares to see more than 600 new members being inaugurated. Launched in 2007, the guard says it is a civic group that stands up for Hungarian culture and national values. Backed by the far-right Jobbik party, it has more than 2,000 members and it has staged several marches against “Roma crime”. Critics say its black uniform and insignia are reminiscent of the Nazi era. – (Reuters)