A new bit of legislation has just come into force in Hungary, in an attempt to deal with the large number of homeless people in Budapest. The regulation makes it a punishable offense to be homeless; the offense is punishable by a fine just under ZAR 5 000. Because, you know, that makes sense.

To everyone’s surprise, the regulation was proposed by the conservative ruling party, who feel somehow oppressed by the 10 000 odd homeless living on the streets of Hungary’s capital. Critics have pointed out that there isn’t enough hostel space available to accommodate the homeless population looking to avoid massive fines for being homeless.

It’s alright, though, because homeless people caught being homeless will first be issued with a warning; after that, however, they can be imprisoned, or ordered to pay a fine.

Says the BBC:

… the law had not been passed on the basis of any rational or professional criteria but because the public were fed up with the homeless.

…
The author of the law, Mate Kocsis, is an MP from the ruling Fidesz party and a district mayor in the city.

A series of demonstrations against the new law is planned.

Great work, everybody.

[Source: BBC]