By way of illustrating the political confusion that currently splits Hungary, or possibly simply the national propensity to get abusive around motor vehicles, known leader and organizer of the “Kossuth tér protesters,” László Gonda (pictured sporting a black eye), has been beaten up by a gang of taxi drivers, reports conservative daily Magyar Nemzet. The paper writes that the incident started with an argument over an incorrectly parked taxi, but conspiracy theorist Gonda thinks the taxi drivers were blaming him for organizing the violent protests that have scared away foreign customers. Given that taxi drivers are capable of getting in a fight with just about anyone, we’ll reserve judgment.
Gonda, who is also the chairman of Hungarian National Committee (MNB, not to be confused with the Hungarian National Bank, also MNB) founded by the “Kossuth tér protesters,” told the daily that on May 9, a taxi was parked near the location of a protest organized by the MNB 2006 in a way that obstructed protesters. A minor argument ensued, but the matter was settled quickly.
However, a few days later, Gonda again met a taxi driver in the street who allegedly shouted vulgar abuse at him. Gonda said another taxi driver hit him and also threatened passersby witnessing the scene. He also said police said they would not launch proceedings, because there were no witnesses.
The taxi company has since apologized and identified one of the attackers based on the taxi’s license plate and an ethics committee is reviewing the case.
