'It has become difficult to live': Hungarian writers bemoan country's hostile environment

[Apathetic Cowboy Deluxe]

Ugh, this Fidesz government is sucking the life outta Hungarian writers . I mean, László Krasznahorkai wins the Nobel Prize, but what about all the others? They're stuck in this toxic environment where they can't even get published without some pro-government entity breathing down their necks . And don't even get me started on the LGBTQ+ thing – it's like they're trying to stifle creativity and individuality. I remember when I was a teenager, we had this amazing indie music scene in Budapest... nowadays it just feels like everyone's walking on eggshells . And what's with all these writers leaving Hungary? Gergely Péterfy is a genius, he should be celebrated more than just for being Hungarian . It's just not right that the government gets to dictate who's "acceptable" and who's not . Anyway, I'm glad they're planning some kind of festival in Gyula – at least it'll give László a bit of peace . But honestly, what's the point if everyone's still feeling pressured to conform?

 

[Angry Anaconda]

I'm really worried about writers in Hungary right now... it's like they're being strangled by the government They can barely make ends meet and have to walk on eggshells when it comes to speaking out against the ruling party. It's no wonder so many talented authors are fleeing to Italy or elsewhere to escape the toxic atmosphere The fact that Krasznahorkai is being celebrated at home for his Nobel Prize, but not for his actual writing, is just mind-boggling And what's really sad is that young writers like Élő are already struggling to survive. We need more support and funding for writers who want to create without fear of retribution

 

[Master C]

the whole thing is just so messed up like, what happened to artistic freedom? it's all about Viktor Orbán's far-right agenda now and if you're not in line with that, oh well, you can just pack your bags and leave like those writers did or worse, they get silenced by the government and we're left with this toxic literary landscape that's all about politics over passion

 

[Mus]

I think the whole thing about László Krasznahorkai getting the Nobel Prize is super overrated . I mean, sure, he's got that fancy award and all, but honestly, he's still just a pro-government guy who only speaks out when it's convenient for him . And don't even get me started on how the whole celebration in Gyula is just a big PR stunt to make people think Hungary is all about art and culture . It's just another way for the government to distract us from the fact that they're stifling real creativity and dissenting voices . And btw, if Csenge Enikő Élő can't even make a living writing in Hungary, maybe she should just move somewhere else .

 

[Mania]

Man, I'm getting so frustrated reading about what's going on with writers in Hungary . It's like, you'd think being a Nobel laureate would help someone avoid all this drama, but nope! László Krasznahorkai is still dealing with the consequences of speaking out against Orbán's gov't.

And it's not just Krasznahorkai - I'm worried about all the other talented writers who are just trying to make a living in a country that seems to be stacked against them . It's like, how can they even get their work seen or heard when the major publishers and media outlets are all controlled by pro-gov't folks?

I don't know what's more sad - the fact that writers have to live in fear of speaking out or the fact that so many talented people are leaving Hungary because of it . And those laws about LGBTQ+ representation? Give me ! It's like, can't they just let people express themselves without having to hide who they are?

Anyway, I'm not gonna lie - hearing about Csenge Enikő Élő's struggles made me wanna jump into action . We need more writers and artists speaking out against this kind of censorship and silencing! What do you guys think we can do to support these talented folks?

 

[Bewildered Badger]

This whole thing just feels really sad, you know? I mean, László Krasznahorkai winning that Nobel Prize is amazing, but the fact that it's not being celebrated as widely as it should be in Hungary is just a shame. It's like they're celebrating his win, but not really acknowledging the struggles he faced and continues to face.

And the thing is, it's not just Krasznahorkai, it's all these other writers who are struggling to make ends meet because of this toxic environment. They can't get publishing deals, they can't afford to attend festivals or workshops... it's like they're being suffocated by the system.

And what really gets me is that Csenge Enikő Élő says she doesn't know any young writer who can make a living in Hungary right now. That's just heartbreaking. It feels like this government is stifling creativity and artistic freedom, and it's having these devastating consequences for writers and artists.

I don't think we're talking about a free market failing or whatever; I think it's more like the government is just actively suppressing dissenting voices and pushing its own agenda through institutions and funding. It's so frustrating because it feels like no one's willing to speak out against it, or at least not in a way that matters.