Blackmail, Revolt, Lamp Posts: The Left Has Had Enough of Democracy

In recent years, several left-wing politicians and public figures in Hungary have openly discussed suspending the rule of law, applying street-level pressure, and even the need for physical force. Origo has now compiled the most well-known cases—from Zoltan Fleck through Andras Fekete-Gyor, all the way to Ferenc Gyurcsany.

Andras Fekete-Gyor at a protest in front of Parliament (Photo: Magyar Nemzet)

Fekete-Gyor Enjoyed the Protests

Andras Fekete-Gyor, the now-disgraced former chairman of the Momentum party, first stormed into Origo's newsroom in an aggressive and threatening manner, and later commented—after attacking journalists at Hungary's public television—that

everyone gets what they deserve.

At a December 2018 protest, he threw a smoke grenade at police guarding the Parliament building. Though billed as peaceful, the demonstration escalated: the crowd also threw firecrackers and bottles at law enforcement.

During this time, Fekete-Gyor became increasingly aggressive in rhetoric, talking about Prime Minister Orban’s “horribly huge mouth” and how the crowds were itching to act.

Koppany Bendeguz Szarvas and the Lamp Post Comment

Koppany Bendeguz Szarvas, who went from the Democratic Coalition party (DK) to Momentum, also participated in the protests mentioned above. He drew particular outrage during the height of the COVID crisis when he criticized the government’s pandemic response and noted in a post:

The boys are working hard to earn the lamp post.

He later agreed with a commenter who said: “Either blood must flow, garbage bins must burn, windshields must break, party offices must explode—or just stay home…” To which Szarvas replied: “At least that’s an alternative.”

Gyurcsany: “Don’t Back Down”

Ferenc Gyurcsany, whether in power or in opposition, has often aligned with the use of force. During his time as prime minister in 2006, his government crushed peaceful demonstrations with what many describe as unprecedented aggression in modern Hungarian history. In opposition, he has continued to advocate for violence. Regarding the 2018 protests, he said resistance had “begun” and that “we must not stop here”—clearly referring to continued street violence.

Not long after, he wrote an essay calling for rebellion:

“The parliamentary opposition must join with civil activists, NGOs and movements outside Parliament to call people to the streets and turn resistance into rebellion. Rebellion can only succeed if it is widespread, massive and sustained,”

the failed prime minister wrote.

Cover photo: Andras Fekete-Gyor at a protest in front of Parliament (Photo: Magyar Nemzet)