Recently in the spotlight

A photo posted on Socialist MP Márta Demeter's Facebook page from the vigil held in front of the French Institute in Budapest.

Budapest residents light candles for victims of Paris attack

Hundreds of people gathered Saturday night at the steps of the Institut français de Budapest to light votive candles in memory of the 129 people killed on November 13th, when eight terrorists launched coordinated attacks in Paris. The French Institute, overlooking the Danube, was founded by France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to promote the French language and culture in Hungary, and […]

by · November 15, 2015 · Politics
Hungary declares day of mourning following Paris terror attacks

Hungary declares day of mourning following Paris terror attacks

Hungary’s ruling Fidesz party has cancelled its congress, scheduled for Sunday, and has instead declared a national day of mourning following the coordinated, ISIS-led terrorist attacks in Paris, which left at least 128 dead in the French capital. As well, the Orbán government has announced new, stricter national border controls and a military presence on the streets of Hungarian cities, […]

by · November 14, 2015 · Politics
Sándor Kopácsi in 1989, at Imre Nagy's reburial.  Photo: László Varga.

Dr. Sándor Kopácsi–An unorthodox hero, who wouldn’t fit the mould

The Second World War ended in Hungary in April 1945. The old regime was gone, to be replaced by a new one based on idealism, lies, hypocrisy and lust for total control and cruelty. The new regime, called Communism, had a new ideal for its citizens. The new man would be of the working class background, intelligent, dedicated, courageous and […]

by · November 12, 2015 · Focus
Horthy with American soldier – he was arrested but avoided prosecution after Stalin intervened.

Remembering the veterans who fought against Hitler-Horthy fascism

Veterans Day is a United States holiday observed on November 11th. It honors military veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces among them those veterans who fought fascism in Europe. It is a special day for Hungarian-Americans since many Americans (among them Hungarian-Americans) gave their lives during World War II to fight Horthy’s pro-Hitler regime and Szálasi’s Arrow-Cross […]

by · November 12, 2015 · Culture
El-Sisi and Orbán - the two authoritarian leaders understand each other.

Travel safety, Egypt and the Orbán Government

On October 31st, a Russian plane crashed in the Sinai-peninsula and all 224 people on board were killed. It is suspected that terrorism had something to do with the crash: officials say it was likely caused by a bomb. The disaster has escalated fears over the capabilities of Islamist terrorists. Russia has already suspended flights to Egypt, Germany has warned […]

by · November 9, 2015 · East
My new Crosley Cruiser record player...

Vinyl – Some thoughts on the music industry’s comeback kid

After weeks of misery trying to repair my old linear tracking record player, looking in vain for a new receiver and speakers that would both be compatible with it, and also fit into my living room, I took the plunge and did what will make most serious audiophiles cringe: I bought one of those Crosley all-in-one turntables. They’re simple, they […]

by · November 8, 2015 · Culture
Yerevan, Armenia.

A Canadian’s reflections on Armenia (video interview)

Will Hadrian is a young Canadian civil servant who is of part Armenian origins. A couple of years ago, his first trip outside of North America was to Armenia, where he participated in an internship program and worked with the Armenian Young Lawyers Association, a group that focuses on addressing corruption in the region and on strengthening civil participation and […]

by · November 7, 2015 · East
Zsolt Varga, the chef at the Embassy of Hungary in Ottawa, serving up venison stuffed cabbage at the Embassy Chef Challenge. Photo: C. Adam

Hungary and Moldova represent Eastern Europe at Ottawa Embassy Chef Challenge

“Don’t just take pictures, actually try some of our food!”–said a smiling representative of the Embassy of Moldova at the Ottawa Embassy Chef Challenge on November 5th, 2015. The Moldovan chef, Nata Albot, offered a traditional take on a classic meal in the region, namely: stuffed peppers. The Embassy of Moldova’s table was adorned with local wines–this small Eastern European […]

by · November 6, 2015 · Culture
The victim of the attack in Kőbánya (left) standing with another skinhead, who happens to be Béla Incze, vice president of the Sixty-Four Counties Youth Movement.

A Hungarian skinhead is assaulted – What the story tells us about Jobbik’s media

The Alfahír website, closely associated with Hungary’s Jobbik party, ran a story about a peaceful young man who was brutally assaulted on the streets of Budapest on October 23rd, a national holiday, apparently for no other reason than for being a Hungarian “patriot.” He was beaten up by a group of seven men and women, who Alfahír reported were of […]

by · November 4, 2015 · Politics
László Bogár

Hungarian “expert” opinions and conspiracy theories — Courtesy of pro-government publicists

László Bogár, an economist, university lecturer and pro-government publicist, went on public television in Hungary, in order to explain to viewers how the dastardly United States is using the refugee crisis as a weapon to destabilize Europe. According to Mr. Bogár, the EU’s real, “natural” allies are Russia and China. I’ve written before about another prominent pro-Fidesz publicist who also […]

by · November 3, 2015 · Politics