Roma: second-class citizens

András Balázs writes about the "gypsy" problem in Hungary: "Part of the problem must be solved by the state. But dispelling stereotypes and pulling down the wall between Roma and non-Roma is impossible unless society strives for unity and a change of attitude. If we accept that the press reveals the ethnic origins of a Roma criminal; if we close our eyes to the fact that in the 21st century Hungary still treats people like second-class citizens because of their skin colour and origins, we cannot just pin the blame on the political elite. ... Criminality and lack of education have nothing to do with race - even if in the more backwards parts of the country this is particularly true of Roma. A person's social situation is a matter of socialisation and not skin colour. It is tragic but true that for these classes there are very few possibilities of work in Hungary. And the state is doing very little to change this. With its misguided social policy it instead makes it possible for them to survive without work."

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