Clashes in Budapest

There is a huge political scandal brewing here in Budapest involving the newly re-elected Hungarian Prime Minister. A tape was leaked on which the PM says his socialist government told lies in order to win the election, and that hundreds of "tricks" were used to save the economy from total collapse. Apparently over the past few years the Hungarian government has massively overspent (I think without the knowledge and/or authorization of the Hungarian people) and is now dealing with a huge budget deficit, which will prevent them from introducing the Euro here in 2007 as originally planned, or in 2008, 2009, 2010 or 2011 as was the back-up plan. At the very earliest the Euro can be introduced in 2012, assuming Hungary complies with the financial provisions necessary. Prices are rising and economists are warning of tough financial times ahead.

Rumors are the PM himself leaked the tape in order to showcase the need for tough reforms in relation to the upcoming mayorial and other local government elections. Protestors have been at the Parliament for the past two days demanding the PM's resignation, however. My host father said protests like this have not happened in Hungary in over ten years, since the fall of communism in the early 1990s. Police used tear gas and water cannons last night against protestors, who looted the state-owned television and news offices. I was out last night with friends completely oblivious to what was happening, and my host mom breathed a huge sigh of relief when I arrived home safe. It was only when I saw the protests live on television and read the news this morning that I realized what was going on. Check out http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5358546.stm.

My university is only a few blocks from the Parliament and my host dad said police will be out today checking passports and IDs to keep people away from the area who shouldn't be there. Will keep you posted!