In connection with the Gyöngyöspata school case, at a press conference held on Wednesday in Budapest, Fidesz Member of Parliament for the constituency László Horváth – the Prime Minister’s appointee – stressed the need for legislative amendments, straight talking and clear boundaries.

The government-party politician said they will therefore present proposed legislative amendments to Parliament within the shortest possible time. The already submitted proposal for the amendment of the public education legislation – which focuses, among others, on enhancing teachers’ safety – is the first step, he added.

In the past few days, in connection with the Gyöngyöspata lawsuit for damages, information has come to light “which we simply cannot not respond to,” the Fidesz politician said, stressing that not even if in the case the court has awarded damages worth HUF 100 million on a final and non-appealable basis.

He said we cannot not respond to the fact that there is a student who blames the school and teachers exclusively for his failure and utter lack of success in school. This student, Mr Horváth continued, missed two thousand classes while in school, meaning that he was absent from school for two entire school years.

According to Mr Horváth, a person who is absent from school for two entire school years cannot blame his school, and cannot possibly be entitled to maximum damages. Instead, he should hold himself responsible.

He said “neither can we not respond” to the fact that there is a family where the violent criminal father – having served time in prison – could expect millions from the “prison business”, while the likewise violent criminal son who spent time in a juvenile detention facility has been awarded millions in compensation from his school.

In the MP’s opinion, people who were cruel to others in their environment over extended periods and meanwhile never contributed anything to society are not or should not be entitled to compensation.

Mr Horváth said he is on the side of Roma families which build their future on learning, hard work and an income earned with decent work.

“We need legislative amendments, straight talking and clear boundaries,” he stressed.

(Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister / MTI)