Getting friendly with the locals

In the next month, Hungary will hold its elections, and there is a strong belief that there will be a victory for the radicals, who will oust the current socialist party in the parliament. Speaking with some of the local Hungarians has afforded me some insight into a few of the issues facing Hungary today.

Szabi is a cameraman and film editor for a local news station. In his late 20s, he has lived in Budapest all his life, though has had the opportunity to travel in Europe. He told me about the various political swings that have taken place since the fall of communism in the country. The socialists have been in power for the last eight years, but have failed to live up to their various electoral promises, which appears to be the main problem for all the parties. With aging politicians in power, little is being done to address the concerns of the young people, and modernise the country, and the capital, in the way that Eastern Germany and Berlin have been able to do. As a result, Hungary has been stagnating somewhat, and not able to revitalise itself as it might have done.

Gergo is a young student, in his early 20s, who is learning English and also Chinese, hoping to become an interpreter. He is trendy, and enjoying all the things that his generation are doing across Europe. The education system in Hungary is going through something of a change, becoming less flexible than it has been, and introducing a system more like that currently in place in Western Europe. Hungarians often feel a little ashamed at their failings to speak other languages, and there is a constant need for native English speakers to come into the country to teach.

Szilard is an actor, currently doing voice-over parts, and looking to join a company in Berlin. He has lived in the US, and appreciates the difference between the profession in Hungary and over there. Here in Hungary actors are still generally secure in finding a job after training in the main acting school, because the profession is still largely state funded. Political affiliations cause some consternation, as directors and actors are vetted, but at least there is work available. New drama schools are opening, though, and state funding is beginning to fall off. I told Szilard about the UK theatre scene, where I believe there is something of a balance between state funding from the Arts Council, and private investors, especially in the West End. Actors in the UK and the US are of course well known, however, for working second and third jobs to make ends meet.

Budapest reminds me very much of Havana, which I was fortunate to visit before Christmas. Beautiful buildings from the nineteenth century have fallen into dilapidation as a result of the communist regimes. However, Budapest has continued to fail on this point ever since its liberation. This piece of graffiti, showing a meerkat with a pneumatic drill, bears the slogan, "No future". In spite of its obvious nihilism, so common in street art, there is a ring of truth.

Where Vienna has been reignited by money put into refurbishment, Budapest continues to languor. Modern Budapest citizens are buying cheap furniture from foreign chains, like Ikea, Tesco and Auchen. About ten years ago, Szabi tells me, all the Hungarian furniture retailers were built up by these international conglomerates, leaving a gap in the market. Sadly, unlike in Berlin, the Budapest people have not yet learned to embrace their own heritage, choosing instead to look on it like a dirty old relic they wish to throw away. Objects that in England would be revered for their 'kitsch', 'retro' or 'vintage' values, are cast aside and considered ugly.

The necessary changes must come from the young, as they have done in Berlin, because the politicians here are too old, and still trying to prove their own worth against the communist legacy. However, it's important that the political party in power is not overly regressive, or oppresive to liberal attitudes. Budapest is ripe for a reawakening, and it would be wonderful to feel that I could be a part of that. Still, it is a big task, and more people will need to jump on the bandwagon if it is to gain any momentum.