Slovakia and Hungary: agitators in the heart of Europe

It is high time that the leaders of Hungary and Slovakia curbed the nationalist agitation in their countries, writes Die Presse newspaper: "The culprits are out there in both countries. On both sides of the Danube politicians are stirring up hatred against the other side. Nationalist extremists - some disguised as football fans, others in black Nazi uniforms - block roads and provoke fights in stadiums. National flags are burned, signs marking towns are smeared. ... It is high time that the leaders of the two countries met and agreed to call a halt to the agitation. Hungary's task is to curb its notorious nationalist rowdies. Slovakian agitators like [the leader of the radial Slovak National Party] Slota deserve to be muzzled, and President [Ivan] Gašparovič must be reminded of his bipartisan role. The conflict over Slovakian school books, for example, should be resolved objectively and without emotions. Because we are in the heart of Europe, and this is the autumn of 2008."

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