The Fidesz camp's 'collective guilt' and the Beneš decrees

The article strongly criticizes Magyar Péter's recent attacks on Hungary's National Declaration, portraying his stance as an assault on the nation's constitutional framework and historical continuity. Bertalan Havasi, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's press chief, is quoted stating that Magyar Péter's actions constitute a new attack on Hungarian constitutionalism, as the National Declaration forms the very first chapter of the fundamental law. Havasi questions why Magyar Péter seems to have an issue with Szent István's legacy, human dignity, security, order, freedom, and the protection of natural values – all integral parts of the national creed.

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Magyar Péter has launched another attack against Hungarian constitutionalism, as the national creed is the very first chapter of the fundamental law, and the constitution must be interpreted in accordance with it.

The author aligns with Havasi, suggesting that millions of Hungarians, regardless of political affiliation, would question Magyar Péter's opposition to these fundamental tenets. The National Declaration itself emphasizes the family and nation as the primary frameworks for coexistence, with loyalty, faith, and love as core values. It also respects the achievements of Hungary's historical constitution and the Holy Crown, symbolizing the nation's constitutional continuity and unity.

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What is Magyar Péter's problem with the legacy of Saint Stephen, with human dignity, the fulfillment of security, order, freedom, or indeed the memory of the '56 revolution, all of which are part of the national creed?

Drawing a stark parallel, the article accuses Magyar Péter of applying the concept of "collective guilt" to members of the Fidesz party, to whom he was previously closely associated. The author likens his rhetoric to that of Edvard Beneš, former president of Czechoslovakia, who targeted Hungarians and Germans living in his country. Beneš's decrees, notorious for codifying the collective guilt of these minority groups, led to severe disenfranchisement and punishment, actions that starkly contrast with current EU fundamental rights charters, yet remain unrepealed by the Slovak parliament.

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We profess that the most important frameworks of our coexistence are the family and the nation, our values of belonging are loyalty, faith, and love.

The piece questions why the prime minister, described as being "bathed in the intoxication of power," seems averse to seeing concepts like loyalty, faith, and love in public institutions. It suggests that Magyar Péter, despite his past proximity to Fidesz and the benefits he received, now speaks of Fidesz members in a manner reminiscent of Beneš's treatment of minorities. While Magyar Péter verbally condemns the Beneš decrees, the article argues he employs similar tools against the Fidesz camp, implying a hypocrisy in his approach.

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We respect the achievements of our historical constitution and the Holy Crown, which embodies the constitutional state continuity and national unity of Hungary.