Hungary’s diplomats in the US generally don’t respond to criticism coming from the Hungarian-American community. They expect that Americans of Hungarian origin will hold back their critique of Prime Minister Orbán’s policies. Now, Mr. Ferenc Kumin Consul General in New York has gone one step further, he has insulted those who offer differing views.
In a recent interview with Inforadio in Budapest Mr. Kumin voiced frustration with Americans of Hungarian origin who criticize his government. He said that he doesn’t understand what motivates these people, and came to the conclusion that they need “psychological help.” He added, “there are strange people everywhere.”
At first, I didn’t believe that an accredited diplomat to the US would insult Americans this way but here is the link. If you understand Hungarian, hear it for yourself. (Listen to the radio program from min 16:00)
Mr. Ferenc Kumin Consul General in New York suggests psychological help to critics of his government.
Mr. Kumin’s attack is uncalled for and impolite especially since US diplomats always approach Hungarian issues with respect and sensitivity; a seasoned diplomat would never attack the citizens of his or her host country in the media. It seems to me that the issue is related to Hungary’s recent reorganization of its Foreign Ministry. In the process senior diplomats were forced to retire and replaced by novices, most of whom have never served abroad.
Mr. Kumin fits the bill. For years he diligently served on PM Orbán’s communication staff where he never questioned or protested his commands. Now he has gotten his reward. A couple of months ago the ambitious 40-year old was sent to New York as the senior diplomat without any previous experience in diplomacy.
Hungarian-American relations are at a low point. Budapest should try to make every effort to send capable senior diplomats to the US. Mr. Kumin insults won’t improve relations, in fact, it assures further alienation of Hungarian-Americans.
György Lázár
So, what’s new? Just another stupid ass kisser!
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Leslie Eloed: Does he know what he is talking about? Freedom of speech definitely not. From the Orban government or him? “psychological help”? Hi is confusing the issues, mixes: ‘psychology and politics’. Sadly the quality of some of todays diplomatic representatives is extremly low and confused when it comes to figure out what really should be their duty. Control Hungarians how they shoud think and act? Not by a long shot.
Anyone appointed by Péter Szijjártó is a novice by definition.
Szijjártó cleared out all the career diplomats and put in his own place men.
Mainly his fellow football enthusiasts.
Yes, there are many psychologically challenged Hungarian diplomats! Mr. Kumin is one of them!
I bet he knows about football though!
And the sensitivity and nuance of a knee in the groin.
I hate SZDSZ.
Mr Kumin’s pearl’s of wisdom are highly entertaining. I suggest he should open up his own psychiatric clinic, and engage in a bit of self-analysis.
No, they do not. They need to be sent to prison, because they are not fools – they are anti-Hunitics and evil.
Another empty piece by György Lázár.
Mr. György Lázár states that: “…US diplomats always approach Hungarian issues with respect and sensitivity; a seasoned diplomat would never attack the citizens of his or her host country in the media.”
I am hoping that this statement is a joke. Since we are all aware of Mr. Goodfriend’s questionable behavior in Budapest, including attending anti-government rallies and making openly false and misguided statements and accusations without satisfying the burden of proof about the Hungarian government and its democratically-elected government. Mr. Goodfriend is only the tip of the iceberg in uneducated and deceitful comments made by US diplomats towards Hungary. It is in fact the US that has destroyed its relations with Central and Eastern Europe over the past 70 years (and more so under the Obama administration). US diplomats should begin an apology tour of Europe, starting in Budapest.
I guess Mr. Lázár only counts on evidence that works in his favour. An emblematic tool of the Left no doubt.
Mr. Kumin should certainly have chosen his words more carefully, but his observation of those with intent on undermining a legitimate government rings true. US attempts to force a change of government in Ukraine (not to speak of the Middle East) has backfired with a revenge. You and others can continue dreaming of similar illegal activity against Hungary.
Nice try Mr. Lázár!
Mr Goodfriend had the courage to tell Hungary like it is – using all the diplomacy of an experienced diplomat.
His being accosted by Ildiko Vida and lawyer was a hoot! And still he stayed polite and approachable.
Hungary lost a friend who was prepared to tell them that they have spinach in their teeth.
Hungarian ‘diplomats’ don’t have a clue – and neither does Péter Szijjártó.
Nice try MHDN1920.