A substantial majority of Hungarians favor stricter drug legislation.
, as mentioned recently
Europion
survey
Only 12% disapprove of the modifications, whereas approximately two-thirds strongly support the government’s new set of measures, which intensify punishments and restrict participation in alternative programs.
A vote-gaining exercise?
Recently, law enforcement has carried out multiple operations as part of their anti-drug campaign. Yet, drug policy specialist Péter Sárosi, who established Drogriporter, argues that the administration’s intention to make these regulations even stricter—amongst Europe’s toughest—is likely just a pledge made ahead of elections rather than a practical approach to tackle the problem.
Effective preventive programs do exist, investing in treatments for individuals battling drug addiction proves beneficial, as does establishing community initiatives. However, these elements are absent in Hungary due to lack of funding and support,” clarified Sárosi, adding 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 deprivation face the highest danger.
In some of Hungary’s least affluent countryside regions, drugs stand out as a prominent concern, with numerous individuals resorting to inexpensive, artificial, and extremely dangerous compounds to cope with their difficult lives. Just last week, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán traveled to South Heves, an area profoundly impacted by this predicament.
You’re aware of the issue since these harmful substances that are devastating both our youth and grown-ups are spreading rapidly, particularly in this region. My aim is to put an end to it. This is precisely why I am present, to eliminate this problem.
said
In Tarnazsadány. Several villagers informed us that the recent crackdowns had removed drug dealers from the streets, leading to local residents ceasing their drug use.
“I doubt anyone would be willing to serve 10 years in prison just to traffic and sell these substances,” remarked a woman. A man chimed in, expressing his relief that the drug dealers were gone.
“I noticed over the weekend at the pub that they have started drinking again. They would come together, chat for a bit, and then move on to drinks. It’s great news that they’ve quit using that crystal stuff altogether. You won’t find any drugs in Tarnazsadány these days,” he mentioned.
A lot of individuals dread interacting with dealers.
Some acknowledged that drug dealers still operate within the town, yet they refrain from discussing this openly due to fear of repercussions. Nonetheless, most of these individuals are recognizable by their names.
The scenario is quite alike across numerous villages in the region. In Tarnaörs, we encountered an individual struggling with addiction who wished to stay unnamed yet shared that each dosage of the substance they use amounts to approximately one thousand forints (£2.48). An additional resident informed us that around eleven individuals are currently involved in selling narcotics within this town which has roughly eighteen hundred residents. Despite periodic arrests and incarcerations of these dealers, fresh replacements swiftly emerge to take their place.
Péter Sárosi suggests that addressing the issue of drug users who live in severe poverty requires a holistic program.
“The use of designer drugs has become almost emblematic in these impoverished small communities. Substance abuse serves as an escape from limited opportunities, destitution, extreme poverty, and social isolation. To effectively address this issue, we must target the underlying causes. For instance, we ought to provide young individuals with better prospects, enabling them to envision a brighter future through further education and pathways out of severe deprivation. Additionally, tackling housing poverty is crucial. It’s important that more youth have access to organized and purposeful activities during their leisure time,” explained the expert.
Recently, we have reached out multiple times to Government Commissioner for Drugs, László Horváth, regarding whether the administration intends to tackle the societal issues contributing to drug abuse alongside law enforcement operations. However, both the official and the police declined to participate in an interview on this matter.
