Hungary has launched a renewed war on drugs, promoting tougher Hungary drug policy and stricter Hungary drug laws. Backed by strong public approval, the government has increased penalties and further restricted access to diversion programmes for drug offenders. However, critics and experts question whether the new strategy addresses the deeper social causes behind Hungary’s drug crisis or simply seeks swift political gains.

Hungarian Public Backs Harsher Drug Laws

According to a recent Europion survey, two-thirds of Hungarians support the latest government package on Hungary drug policy. Only 12% oppose the changes, while the clear majority back stiffer Hungary drug laws that raise penalties and reduce rehabilitation opportunities. The move comes against the backdrop of a country already known for having some of the toughest drug legislation in Europe.

This widespread support has fuelled a series of police-led drug raids. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has framed the crackdown as a moral battle to “eradicate” drugs and protect children, especially in rural areas hit hard by substance abuse.

“You know that there is a problem, because these drugs that are destroying our children and even adults are proliferating. Especially in this area. And I’m working to stop that. That’s why I’m here, to eradicate it,” Prime Minister Orbán told locals during a recent visit to South Heves.

Hungary Drug Policy Under Scrutiny

Despite the strong public backing, leading voices are raising concerns about both the motivations and the effectiveness of the new Hungary drug policy.

Péter Sárosi, drug policy expert and founder of Drogriporter, argues that the government’s aggressive crackdown is less about finding solutions and more about political theatre.

“There are effective prevention programmes, it makes sense to invest in treatment for people struggling with drug addiction, it makes sense to create community programmes. These things are lacking in Hungary, there is no money for them, there is no support,” Sárosi explains.

Hungary’s approach, often labelled as penal populism, focuses on harsher punishment rather than proven solutions. Sárosi points to robust evidence that simply intensifying penalties does not have a meaningful crime-prevention effect.

Increased Penalties, but What About Prevention?

Community Voices on Hungary Drug Laws

On the ground, many local residents respond positively to the recent police measures. After raids in villages like Tarnazsadány, residents claim that drug dealers have vanished or moved underground.

“I don’t think anybody will risk getting 10 years to keep and sell these drugs,” said one local woman.

Yet others remain cautious. Some admit that dealers are still active in their communities, but they are reluctant to speak out, fearing reprisals. One man shared, “I saw in the pub at the weekend that they are now drinking. They were gathered together, talking, and then they were drinking. I’m really glad that they’ve stopped having that crystal and everything. There really aren’t any drugs in Tarnazsadány, you can’t find them anymore.”

Even so, new dealers often emerge to replace those jailed. A resident from Tarnaörs detailed how a dose of synthetic drugs can cost just 1,000 forints (€2.48), highlighting the issues with quick-fix, enforcement-only solutions.

Hungary Drug Policy Overlooks Root Causes

The Link Between Poverty and Substance Use

One of the stark realities missing from the public debate is the strong link between deep poverty and drug use. Rural regions plagued by joblessness and lack of prospects see residents, especially young people, turning to cheap, synthetic drugs as an escape.

“Designer drug use is practically a symptom in these poor small towns. Drug use is an escape from lack of perspective, poverty, abject poverty, exclusion. If we want to do something about it, we should tackle the problem at its root,” Sárosi insists.

He highlights the need for broader interventions beyond Hungary drug laws:

• Create meaningful prospects for youth through education and employment.
• Address housing poverty so people have stable environments.
• Develop structured, positive ways for young people to spend their time.
• Expand treatment facilities and community support networks.

Despite these recommendations, policymakers have shown little willingness to invest in social programmes. Requests for government comment on tackling social factors contributing to addiction have gone unanswered.

Do Tougher Hungary Drug Laws Work?

Research from both Hungarian and international sources consistently shows that punitive Hungary drug policies may win votes but rarely deliver lasting solutions. Raising penalties deters some, but often pushes the drug scene further underground, making it harder to reach those in need of help.

Community initiatives, evidence-based prevention, and investment in education and employment opportunities have all proven more effective in addressing the cycles that drive drug use.

Source: Euro News