In 2010, when he returned to power, Orbán promised to prioritize the protection of children in Hungary. But the reality is that, one after another, there are many child abuse scandals that have shaken and still shake his government in recent years. But how much do we know?
The latest is the case of the new accusations regarding a juvenile detention center in Budapest, such as to drag thousands of demonstrators into the streets shouting “For children, against Orbán’s lies”.
It all broke out after security cameras at the Szolo Street juvenile detention center showed the director kicking a boy in the head.
What happened
What brought thousands of people to the streets in Budapest was the indignation that erupted after the release of videos documenting serious and repeated abuse against inmates of the Szőlő Street juvenile prison. Leading the protest, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s main challenger, Peter Magyar.
The organizers have launched a clear appeal: no flags or ideological symbols, but soft toys and toys for girls and boys. A simple and powerful gesture, welcomed by many protesters. A large pile of games was thus formed in front of the Sándor Palace, passed from hand to hand through the crowd up to the stage, to then be donated.
From the stage, Péter Magyar openly called for the resignation of the government and the President of the Republic Tamas Sulyokheld responsible for the scandals that exposed the flaws in the child protection system.
Party leader Tisza also outlined the reforms he intends to implement if he wins: a redesign of the child protection budget, built from the top down to ensure adequate resources, the strengthening of reporting mechanisms and a thorough investigation into crimes committed over the past twenty years.
A protest that goes beyond politics and points the finger at a system that has failed precisely where it should have protected most.
