As Chaos Raged Across Western Europe, Budapest Celebrated the Holiday in Peace

Even the German press has taken note of the stark contrast between how New Year’s Eve unfolded in Hungary and in Germany. While people celebrated peacefully in Budapest, the night in Berlin resembled a war zone.

Berlin police on the streets on New Year’s Eve (Photo: AFP)

Anyone traveling to Brussels today can experience firsthand the atmosphere of fear and distrust. As a journalist for Tichys Einblick writes, it takes only a short walk away from the European Commission or European Parliament buildings to sense the constant and undeniable alienation brought by predominantly Muslim immigrant communities.

The author also points out that although Germany dominated the headlines, the situation in France was no better. In Strasbourg alone, more than 100 vehicles were set ablaze, 25 police officers were injured, an apartment was set on fire by fireworks, and more than 30 people were arrested. According to the Interior Ministry, 1,173 vehicles were torched across France—200 more than on New Year’s Day last year.

According to the author, while Emmanuel Macron spoke in his New Year’s address about wars being fought in distant Ukraine and even farther-away Russia, the real war was raging on the streets of French cities—a war fueled by drug cartels and the impunity of criminal migrants.

By contrast, Eastern Europe presents a starkly different picture. In Budapest, Warsaw, and Prague, people were able to celebrate New Year’s Eve safely and without incident. Riot police were not called out, as the festivities followed their familiar, peaceful course rather than descending into chaos.

Despite frequent criticism from Brussels toward Eastern European governments, the reality could hardly be clearer. 

Hungary said no to mass migration—and that decision appears to have paid off. In Hungary, holidays are still about celebration, not fear. Authorities do not have to prepare for rampaging migrants or terrorist attacks.

Cover photo: Berlin police on the streets on New Year’s Eve (Photo: AFP)