What was the cause of recent violence in Budapest?

Question

I heard that it was an unsafe place to visit for a while - why was this? Was it violent protests against the government and if so, why was this?

Answer 1

Hungary/Budapest is NOT unsafe to visit if you are the slightest bit informed about what's going on. Recently, the government passed laws that take more away from its citizens. For instance, they have imposed a 20% tax on capital gains or interest earned. Hungarian citizens are mad that the government is taking from them and are protesting against it.

Budapest aside, where the protests were held, you'd never know that it was happening.

It is TOTALLY safe to visit. I've been there 9 times and am going back in less than 2 months to get married :) I've been going there since 1982 so you can trust my opinion on this . My fiance and I are in the process of relocating there as most of my Dad's family is there including my little sis.

Thanks for asking :) I'm sorry I cannot tell you more about why the Hungarian citizens were so upset but it's all about finances/economics and their ability to "make ends meet" and save some for retirement. Hungarians are incredibly informed about politics and how the Parliament affects their livelihood, much more so than we've ever experienced here in the States.

Answer 2

OK... first of all, I haven't a clue where that first poster thinks Budapest is, but clearly they seem to think it's located in Turkey. Armenian genocide is hardly an issue in Hungary's history. I believe what you're referring to are the protests that went on in downtown Budapest, by the Parliament building, in September and October. The protests were aimed at Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany, because a leaked recording had him admitting to lying during his most recent election campaign to be reelected as Prime Minister. Naturally, Hungarians--both those who had voted for him and especially those who hadn't--were enraged by this and demanded he step down. The protests really weren't violent--I actually went to one, when I was in Budapest this past October, and it was really more of a political rally than anything else. There was a stage set up by the stairs of the Parliament building for political speakers and even political poets to speak out against him, and the crowd was full of thousands of people waving Hungarian flags and occasionally cheering someone on stage or chanting slogans... but it was peaceful, very peaceful. There were even dozens of industrious individuals who had set up tables, selling everything from pretzels to soda to t-shirts to flags to keychains, among other things. It was really an interesting experience and I got plenty of pictures, even though I hadn't the slightest idea what the speakers on stage were saying, since I speak absolutely no Magyar (Hungarian). At no point was Budapest unsafe--if anything the protests simply drew more curious visitors to a city already full of visitors. If you're asking this because you're thinking of seeing Budapest, have no fear--go see it! Go, go, go, go, go... it's one of the most beautiful places you could ever hope to see... and be sure to take pictures of the city both by day and by night. Budapest is absolutely gorgeous at night, especially from Castle Hill in Buda, overlooking Pest and the Danube.

Answer 3

That would be the Armenian holocaust denial. There was a reporter killed.

There is Kurdish violence that erupts from time to time also. The Government is trying to squash Kurdish culture, banning the language in schools and advertising. Also there is tension between the secular government and Islamists.