Hungary Tackles Drugs Head-On While Overlooking Root Causes
Most Hungarians strongly favor the strengthening of drug legislation. , as reported recently Europion survey Only 12% disapprove of the modifications, whereas approximately two-thirds strongly support the government’s new set of measures, which intensify sanctions and restrict participation in alternative programs.
A vote-gaining exercise?
Recently, law enforcement agencies have carried out multiple operations as part of their anti-drug campaign. Nonetheless, Péter Sárosi, a specialist in drug policies and the creator of Drogriporter, argues that the administration’s intention to make these already stringent regulations even stricter appears more like a political pledge made ahead of elections rather than a practical approach to tackling the problem.
Effective preventive programs exist, investing in treatments for individuals battling drug addiction is sensible, as is establishing community initiatives. However, these elements are absent in Hungary due to insufficient funding and lack of support," explained Sárosi, noting that research indicates raising penalties does not effectively deter crime.
He stated that what's occurring in Hungary is primarily an example of penal populism—a tactic aimed at winning votes rather than genuinely addressing the issue at hand.
Individuals residing in severe poverty face the highest danger.
In Hungary’s most impoverished rural regions, drug use stands out as a significant problem, with numerous individuals resorting to inexpensive, artificial, and extremely dangerous drugs as an escape from their difficult lives. Last week, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán traveled to South Heves, a locality profoundly impacted by this issue.
"You recognize the issue exists because these destructive substances that harm both our youth and grown-ups are spreading rapidly, particularly within this region. My aim is to put an end to this. This is precisely why I am present, to eliminate it," Orbán said In Tarnazsadany. Several villagers informed us that recent raids had removed drug dealers from the streets, leading to locals ceasing their drug use.
“I doubt anyone would be willing to serve a 10-year sentence just to possess and sell these drugs,” remarked a woman. A man chimed in, expressing his relief at seeing the drug dealers go away.
“I noticed over the weekend at the pub that they have resumed drinking. They would gather, converse, and then proceed to drink. It’s great news that they’ve ceased using crystals and all of that. You won’t come across any drugs in Tarnazsadány these days,” he mentioned.
A lot of individuals are scared of drug dealers.
Some acknowledged that drug dealers still operate within the municipality, yet they refrain from discussing these individuals openly out of fear. Nonetheless, most of those involved are recognizable by their names.
The scenario is quite alike across numerous villages in this region. In Tarnaörs, we encountered an individual struggling with addiction who wished to stay unnamed yet disclosed that each dosage of the substance they use amounts to roughly one thousand forints (approximately €2.48). An additional resident informed us that around eleven individuals are currently involved in selling drugs within the community, which has approximately eighteen hundred residents. Despite arresting some dealers and incarcerating them, others swiftly take their place.
Péter Sárosi believes that addressing the issue of drug users who live in severe poverty requires a thorough program.
"The consumption of designer drugs has become indicative of the challenges faced in impoverished rural areas. Substance abuse serves as an escape from limited opportunities, economic hardship, extreme poverty, and social isolation. To effectively address this issue, we must target the underlying problems. For instance, providing youth with better prospects could help them envision a brighter future, encouraging further education and offering pathways out of severe poverty. Additionally, tackling housing deprivation is crucial. It’s essential to ensure that more young individuals have access to organized and purposeful activities during their leisure time," explained the expert.
In recent days, we have repeatedly contacted the government commissioner for drugs, László Horváth, to ask whether the government plans to address the social situation that leads to drug use, in addition to raids. But the politician refused to be interviewed, as did the police.
