he bad guys depicted in a recent clip aired by KIKA, the channel for kids over at the German Public Service Broadcaster, are – guess what? – none other than the Government of Hungary. Ungarn appears as the problem in the middle of a map of the hallowed European Union. Depicted in a rudimentary animation with a simple voiceover, the neat little fairytale describes a government elected by the people that then turns into the boogie man cracking down on free media and hushing the courts.

I like to think I have a sense of humor just as good as the next guy, but this isn’t funny. Contrary to what the little German tikes learn from the excellent, oh-so-very respectful civics and culture lesson, no media has been silenced in Hungary (Klubradio has not had even a moment off the air and was just granted a seven-year contract by the Media Council) and the Constitutional Court has the same authority as before to rule on any piece of legislation.

The scowling animations and wagging fingers advise us that the Hungarian political leadership does not respect EU regulations. In fact, though infringement proceedings against EU member states are not unusual, Hungary has never gone against a ruling of one of the relevant EU institutions, like the Commission or the Court.

It’s growing tiresome to have to respond to insulting distortions like this. It would be one thing if this video had appeared on an independent blog, but we’re talking about German public broadcasting here. A program for children! That’s shameful.

Some media reported that I took offense at the video. They’re correct. I did and rightly so. I take exception to it not only as an international spokesman but as a Hungarian and a father. We’ve let our colleagues in Berlin know of our displeasure.

Source: A Blog About Hungary by Ferenc Kumin