What is currently taking place in one of the European Union’s member countries is frightening. From the New Year, Hungary has introduced a constitution and electoral legislation that makes it very difficult for the opposition ever to regain government power.

The right-wing Hungarian government under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has wrested partial authority over the central bank and courts.

A new media law makes life dangerous for the media, and public positions of all types are rapidly being filled with people loyal to the government.

A particularly symbolic and frightening issue is that of the battle for the National Theatre in Budapest. Robert Alföldi, who has led the theatre hitherto, has been denounced as “Gay, a pervert and a Jew” by demonstrators of the neo-fascist Jobbik Party. This autumn, a declared anti-Semitic author István Csurka was appointed co-director.

Attacks on Jews, Roma and gays are the order of the day in the public debate. Hungary is on a bee-line back to the darkest elements of European history, and it is about time that the country’s European community reacts strongly.

The Hungarian ambassador to Denmark wrote a defence of his country in our columns recently, the factual content of which only confirms the gravity of the situation: We must show ourselves as friends of Hungary and address the problems with the many Hungarians who are also highly concerned.

The European Commission convenes tomorrow to discuss the next move.

Good and strong forces in the European Parliament suggested some time ago that a procedure to introduce sanctions on Hungary should be initiated, as the country no longer lives up to the Treaty and would not be eligible for membership if it applied today.

That procedure may result in Hungary being stripped of its right to vote.

At the same time, Hungary is in the midst of a deep economic crisis and needs urgent help – something that is difficult to provide to a country without an independent central bank – so Europe does have peer pressure options.

But what is the point of sanctions if they simply make matters worse and propel Hungary further onto the road of right-wing nationalism?

The Hungarians have abundant historical reasons to fear large and arrogant neighbours. The important thing for Europe is not to draw either itself, or Hungary, into the trap of this psychological shadow game. We must give positive arguments and economic help a final chance.

bb

FACEBOOK – Follow Politiken’s News in English