We are used to the idea that not even the most clumsy moves have no consequences for politicians mid-term. That there have been one or two exceptions just strengthens the rule. If a politician is caught holding a wrung chicken, then our noble statesmen will certainly claim that the unfortunate animal committed suicide and that he was just trying to resuscitate it. It is this kind of picture that looms before our eyes when we look at the recent catastrophic celebration and the way the people in charge point to everyone and their underlings but never to themselves.

Gabor Demszky has always had trouble with the weather. Last year, when he issued a hurricane alert - for political reasons, many believe - no heavy winds came. This year, when he should have, he failed to study the latest weather reports. But the government was little better. The Prime Minister's Office singled out a department head, the duty weather forecaster and the fire brigade commander, all of whom deserved a better fate. We are not claiming that these officials bear no responsibility for what happened. But the organisations they worked for all have hierarchies and chains of command. At a million-person event it is fair to expect that the people in charge should be in continuous contact with their staff, receiving regular reports on the situation.

Maybe only the three mid-ranking officials could have taken the decision at that moment. But occasions like 20 August are perfect opportunities for those in power to enhance their prestige. Our good leaders hand out honours and awards and spend our tax forints on fireworks that get more beautiful from year to year. What official would be so bold as to call off a parade set to attract 100,000 people - only then to be sacked if it turns out that the alert was just a false alarm? If the official is proved right, then he won't get the credit. Rather, the far-seeing, wise leaders will take a bow. Furthermore, it looks like only minimal emergency plans were in place.

This comes as little surprise in a country where playgrounds, football grounds, swimming pools and railway crossings are all accidents waiting to happen. The reason is a lack of money and a lack of commitment from officials.

Probably something similar happened at this year's display. There had not been an accident for decades, so nobody was too concerned with sticking to the rules. Most of the politicians and officials in charge preferred to enjoy their day off whilst basking in the reflected glory of the occasion. They had little interest in regularly calling their staff to ask if everything was going well. An apology would be in order, nonetheless.

Tamás László Papp