The Slovakian-Hungarian conflict escalates

The conflict between Slovakia and Hungary has reached a new level of intensity. For the first time Hungarian right-wing extremists have blocked five border crossings with Slovakia - in protest at the arrest on the weekend of 28 members of the paramilitary "Hungarian Guard". The press in both countries looks for culprits and asks how the crisis can be defused.

The conservative daily Magyar Nemzet puts the present Slovak-Hungarian conflict down to the weakness and irresoluteness of the Hungarian government: "Hungary's political elite has been battling tirelessly against radicals, excluders and anti-Semites for two decades now. Yet Europe insists on seeing the current conflict as a dispute between Slovak and Hungarian nationalists. And this despite the fact that in Hungary not a single political group of any consequence has voiced approval of the right-wing extremists, while in Slovakia people in government circles talk of Hungary in a tone that only marginal, radical figures would dare to use here. ... But the main problem lies in the weakness and loss of authority of the Hungarian state. A nation that is neither able to defend its own interests nor has a strong sense of self-confidence will be despised by its neighbours. ...   It is high time we recognised this. Wake up, Hungary!" (11/11/2008)

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At the blockaded border to Slovakia, members of the [right-wing] Hungarian Guard have waved banners bearing the words "Welcome to Slotakia" in reference to Ján Slota, head of the co-ruling Slovak National Party. The EU has voiced its concern, while Czech politicians have offered their help as mediators. The liberal newspaper Sme comments: "So much has transpired in Slovak-Hungarian relations over the last two and a half years that something must finally be done. The escalation will never be stopped merely by politicians putting the blame on each other. Just as the Hungarian Guard cannot be disbanded from the Slovakian side, Slovakian politicians who want to score points by playing up past conflicts cannot be silenced from the Hungarian side. Now is the time for people to speak up and bring the politicians in charge to reason. Because Slovakia is not Slotakia." (11/11/2008)

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The left-liberal Hungarian daily Népszabadság takes a closer look at Hungary's right-wing extremists, who are stoking the tensions between the two neighbouring countries with acts of provocation. "They [the radical right in Hungary] are very much aware that the Slovak side sees their actions as provocation. The right-wing extremists who cast themselves as national heroes and martyrs have achieved their goal: if you want to be considered a 'good Hungarian' nowadays - as if that was the top priority - you don't try to attack [the radicals]. ... This is a tragedy. ... Leading Slovak politicians like Prime Minister Robert Fico ... are perfectly aware that the provocations of the Hungarian right-wing extremists run counter to the government policy of Ferenc Gyurcsány in political, historical and ideological terms. Yet for the sake of political posturing they are blaming Hungary's political elite for the actions of the Hungarian radicals. This, too, is a tragedy." (11/11/2008)

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» To the complete press review of Tuesday, November 11, 2008