Conservative Austrian daily Die Presse wrote about Hungary’s increasingly fragile economy, and then called Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány Central Europe’s most pathetic politician, before turning back around to dis Fidesz Chairman Viktor Orbán as an unscrupulous and irresponsible populist, writes index.hu. Let’s face it, there’s nothing Austrians like more than acting paternalistic and condescending to the nation they formerly ruled.
The piece is critical of the prime minister for caving in to his own party over the reforms, and adds that the likely outcome of his being replaced by Orbán at the latest in 2010 is hardly going to remedy things, adding that Orbán has his own interests ahead of the country’s, a statement which is so outlandish that it only applies to just about anyone who has ever run for political office, including Austrians themselves.
“Pathetic: Arousing pity, especially through vulnerability and
sadness”. Who could have pity for this “man”, this sad and
vulnerable man? Have no pity and shed no tear for poor Ferenc, for
he is worthy of neither. Public humiliation, prosecution for crimes
against Hungary and its people, followed by a lengthy prison term
is all he and his lying, thieving spineless rabble deserves.
aemann – all i can add is amen and amen! of course it will never happen as his ass is well covered by his partners in crime
And that’s the real tragedy in all this – that they can do whatever
they want and get away with it, and they know that they will never
be held to account by anyone. Stand outside the SZDSZ or MSZP
offices, and you’ll hear the sounds of documents being shredded
and asses being covered, accompanied by infantile sniggering.
Spare us of the political commentary of eight year olds!
Commy sympathiser. Everything you know is wrong.
Is not 8 years a bit too old?
So you think the actions of the Governing Kleptocracy are those of
responsible adults, do you? Noticed any actual governing going on
lately? Dare to criticise the omniscient, omnipotent Masters of the
Universe and the Red Star brigade throw a hissy fit! Why is it you
defend them? Why do you think it wrong that Hungary be governed
in a responsible manner? Why do you think that Hungary is an
inately communist/socialist country and any deviation from this is
wrong? This isn’t government – it’s mental illness, and it’s
defenders and supporters are therefore by definition mentally ill
and not fit to hold office, or even hold an opinion. Again -
everything you know is wrong, and you wear your ignorance,
arrogance and conceit as if it were a badge of honour.
Aemann reminds me of an Hungarian friend who moved to the States some years ago. First working as an illegal alien and then getting the greencard and finally the citizenship. He become so Americanized, so when he is home we always end up in a debate over US policy in Iraq.
After about 30 minutes, his final argument is normally “You in Europe do not know the Truth, because you do not have FOX News!”
Amen, so Aemann – keep on checking your HirTV and do complain that they are to left-leaning…
I suppose in the dark and distorted world of Viking we’d be getting
our balanced world view by watching Fredericus and Monica.
Reminds me of the many Hungarian friends we have, who left at
the time of the failed ’56 revolution and created new lives for
themselves in Australia, USA, UK, Canada… and came back after
the “system change”. They all say “What happened to the people?
How did they become so stupid and brainwashed? It didn’t used to
be like this”.
Why do they say this – all of them? What do they know that you do
not?
I think the Austrian’s have it in a nutshell, Gyurcsany is the most pathetic politician in Europe and would give many leaders of the worlds biggest banana republics a run for thier money.
We can not blam the Austrians for telling it like it is!
Didn’t want to be left out. I don’t think Ae is asking for anything un-reasonable here Vi and Va; though name calling isn’t debating Ae.
I for one would like to see an even playing field; and that politicians cannot personally profit from their positions if at all possible. And its not just the skimming (on both sides), but that many of the policy decisions taken over the last several years, if there had only been a proper debate, could have been made workable and helped the country; instead, we have an economy that is way out of whack – and I’m sure Vi you see it as well as we do: house prices that only speculators can afford; white collar employees that cost a company more than a “like” person would in the West; many people with mortgages at the mercy of the currency market – which with just a slight negative move will cause enormous strife.
“house prices that only speculators can afford; … many people with mortgages at the mercy of the currency market”. Welcome to the Free West, Rolrox! That is how it is everywhere else in Europe (at least).
“white collar employees that cost a company more than a “like” person would in the West;” Well, my experience, which is a few years old is that Bp programmers costed close 80% of the Swedish one, which makes it discussable. The cost include office-space etc.
Should we demand that businesspeople do not profit from their work? Being a politician should be all voluntarily work, without pay? How do you actually controll “that politicians cannot personally profit from their positions”?
The Austrians are just still pissed off for the treatment they got when they voted Joerg Heider as leader.
Wow V, as usual – lots of points…
House prices in HU are much higher vs people’s available capital than many places in the West. I don’t know Sweden; but if I compare to places I do (London, the home counties, Gedser, Southern Florida, New England …) I see that the playing field isnt as skewed as it is here. Much of the pricing in HU is based upon people not really needing to move and thinking there’s somebody out there with bags of cash (and they think they’ve got a winning lottery ticket). This stymies the many buyers who are locals without deep pockets and need to change accomodation to reflect changes in their family circumstances.
You’re experience re prices for work ignores the entire tax wedge; work backwards – including all the costs and you’ll see that people here are very expensive vs the experience they have – and it’s not that they are getting the wage; it’s going to the gov’t.
I didn’t say serving in public office should be voluntary; and I don’t see the parallel between business and public service. Those in office, if allowed to use influence for self-gain will distort the capitalism that I think you’re advocating. This isn’t about rules, it’s basic economic theory (Akerlof, Jerome; look up “Asymmetric Information”).
For somebody who considers him/herself to be part of the “welcoming” committee for the West, you could try to be a bit more convivial!
Viking, care to tell us when Jorg Haider was anything more than governor of Karinthia or the FPO?
No so far, but you also know that the isolation Austria was met with was because of Joerg Haider’s opinions. He was the leader of his party and other member of his party were members of the Govt. In the eyes of the world, right or wrong, it was like Joerg Heider called the shots. That was the perception.
Rolrox – I would not afford to buy a flat in Sthlm or London, not without loans to high interest for the next 30-40 years. The problem is not so much the prices in Hungary, it is more that the banking system is still not on West standard. Can you get a loan for more than 20 years today. A flat/house normally demands up to 40 years to pay off, like in Sweden.
For mine, aemann has hit the mark, albeit with a tad more votriol then might be warranted.
The question is though, Viking and Vladimir, on what grounds do you object to aemann’s comments. Is it his tone or the fact that you disagree with his side of politics. If it is the latter, then I would genuinely like to know why.
As I see it, the Government sings so faithfully from the hymn sheet of just about every former government in other jurisdictions that was noted for its corruption, bribery and general desire to line its own pockets at the expense of the electorate.
There is a support for the Government but I am genuinely interested to hear from its supporters the concrete grounds on which they provide their support.
When Aemann expresses a political opinion I will be happy to discuss it. Try to get him to state anything he is for as a variation.
aemann expressed a view, with with which you clearly disagreed -
either you had a problem with the way he expressed it (but agree
with the underling sentiment) or you had a problem with the
substance of his comments (which were clearly anti Government).
So which one was it and why? Quit avoiding the issue and tell us
why you believe what you believe.
Where is the “view” in Aemann’s post (and I qoute it in its entire…)
“Commy sympathiser. Everything you know is wrong.”
Aemann’s “commentary” has basically always been on this level.
Mayby Mr. T can explain what is so honorable with this “view”?
Having an opinion of “comments (which were clearly anti Government)”, does not mean that one is Pro-Govt. That is a typical Communist way of arguing.
All I asked was for you to explain why you made the comments you did. You continue to play with semantic and otherwise dodge the question, therby explaining your position clearly i.e. you enjoy disagreeing but then scurry back in to the shadows when some asks you to explain your position. I never said aemann’s view was honourable, I just don’t understand why you were willing to make ciritcal comments but not actually explain the basis on which you made those comments. No need to respond to this post unless you’re finally going to show some courage and quit dodging the issue.
T wrote “I just don’t understand why you were willing to make ciritcal comments but not actually explain the basis on which you made those comments.”
So far I have not agreed with Aemann’s views on anything. I think he has a totalitarian debate-style. He is never discussing facts, just some populist, nonsense, arguments. If you still do not understand what I mean after reading through his post on April 6, 2008 2:45 AM, I am sorry I can not help you.
Aemann does not like democracy. He thinks that Hungary is a dictatorship. He claims that the Govt is performing a Genocide on the Hungarian country-side (where he is living).
I do not share his views and am trying to put some balance in the “debate”. It is not much to a debate when Aemann call all others that do not agree with him for mentally ill and they should not be entitled to have an opinion.
Do not take him for an Hungarian, he is just a British guy, who calls all Hungarians for spineless creatures.
Thanks Viking – interesting to read your comments; I’m all for a balanced debate.
The newspaper is actually called “Die Presse”… Don’t wanna be picky, but… do get the name right next time.