Cinzia D'Ambrosi

Criminalising help for refugees has been the decisive factor for Viktor Orban’s government victory and its growing authoritarianism. And since the election the nationalist government has introduced a number of legislation that are eroding existing civil liberties. This project began in April when a new government was to be elected. There was exuberance in the street as increasingly people in Budapest thougth that they had a hope and a chance that the government of Fidesz was to be defeated. On the night of the election, I took photographs at the two sides; supporters of Fidesz and those supporting for the People’s Movement. The joy and the display of nationalism on one side contrasted greatly with the tears of despair and utter disbelief on the other side. The reality is that rhethoric on migration and the fear of cultural eradication through Muslim identities have taken a great toll on the population outside of Budapest. Even if, the government of Hungary has only accepted very few refugees and it has a no acceptance policy in place, it has tapped on to the population’s security, economic fears and cultural eradication to the level that spontaneously many have volunteered to police the borders. In Assothalom the major of the town has enlisted its own border hunters. Hungary’s is continuing to introduce anti-democratic legislations and for the first time in Europe, a University, the Central European University backed by Soros in Budapest, has been forced to relocate because of mounting political pressure. The anti-Soros, anti-migration government has been attacking the very open and progressive view that it represents. Recently the government introduction of what has been dubbed as ‘slave’ law has sparked turmoil and for the first time in a very long time, the population was alive and hopeful for a new beginning. The struggle for democracy has perhaps began.