Dear Grandma and Grandpa (or Mom and Dad)

Every four years, when Fidesz wins, I always see how much happiness and relief it brings you.

It is understandable. At times like this, one feels that things are moving in the right direction, and that one also has a say in the affairs of the country: that one is heard, that one’s opinion is not disregarded.

I have never felt this. Ever since I have had the right to vote, the party that – as you know about me – represents an unacceptable standard to me has always won by a two-thirds majority. Election after election, I feel my situation to be increasingly oppressive and increasingly hopeless. I feel that I have no say whatsoever in the affairs of my homeland or in the fate of the taxes I pay. I find the state increasingly dangerous and unpredictable.

In my helplessness, I tried to leave my homeland for good, but – as you know – I failed. Perhaps others are capable of changing countries, but I am not. I could never endure more than a few months, because I am a stranger there. I need the Hungarian landscape, Hungarian people, and the Hungarian language in order to be myself.

I have been hearing Viktor Orbán’s explanations for sixteen years, so I see no chance that this system will ever become more acceptable to me.

This is why I am turning to you now.

I ask you that, just this once, do not go and vote for Fidesz.

I know this is a big request. To voluntarily give up something that I did not give up voluntarily either, but that was taken away from me. The chance to have at least a little say in the affairs of our country. And perhaps to give up the joy that those who trust him usually feel on election night when they see Viktor Orbán’s triumphant face.

But perhaps you too feel that this joy every four years is no longer right, no longer natural. That one does not always have to triumph. That Viktor Orbán could be sad for once, and I could be happy on election day.

Please, if you can, help me feel at home in my homeland after April 12 as well! For this, I do not need my vote to win every time, only at least once.

With love and hugs: Sarolta.