Good Then, Good Now, Exclusive Interview with Dániel Karsai
In an exclusive interview with our newspaper, constitutional lawyer Dániel Karsai, who is battling ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), shares his unyielding spirit in face of the terminal disease and his legal fight for the right to euthanasia in Hungary.
Dániel Karsai, with his compelling blue eyes, offers insights into his life and thoughts, which remain as sharp as ever despite the progression of his illness. His condition has severely deteriorated, affecting his speech and movement, yet his intellect remains untouched a fact underscored by the serious literature that lies by his bedside, far from ordinary novels.
In this conversation, Karsai's thoughts are articulated largely through responses to the interviewer’s questions and reflections, offering a unique glimpse into the mind of a man who has become an unintentional public figure. Since revealing his diagnosis last September and petitioning the European Court of Human Rights for the legalisation of euthanasia in Hungary, Karsai's following has grown exponentially. His fight has sparked a massive increase in public support, showcasing the paradoxical nature of societal attention.
Karsai acknowledges the overwhelming support he has received online, valuing the love and recognition although it was never his campaign’s intended goal. He disagrees with those wishing his plight upon government officials for their inaction on the euthanasia issue, choosing instead to handle the silence with dignity.
Among his advocacies, Karsai endorsed Péter Magyar after Magyar's disclosure about the National System of Cooperation (NER), signalling his willingness to support causes aligned with his views, even as his condition worsened.
Recently hospitalized with pneumonia, Karsai now requires round-the-clock care, capable of only minimal movement. Despite moments of despair, he maintains a fierce will to live, stating that even if euthanasia were an option, he wouldn’t choose it at this time. Karsai's focus remains on spending quality time with loved ones, pondering the afterlife, and cherishing the moments he has left.
Contrary to contemplating an earlier end, even when physically capable, Karsai reflects positively on his life choices, including a mutual breakup with his girlfriend following his diagnosis. He appreciates her decision, recognizing the unfair burden his illness would place on her.
The interview, though brief due to Karsai's fatigue, ends on a lighter note with questions about his favorite sport, football. Karsai, maintaining his optimism, predicts a return to the top league for Vasas and victory in the upcoming European Championship for his team.
Through his journey, Dániel Karsai has become a beacon of resilience, advocating for dialogue on difficult issues like euthanasia, and demonstrating the power of love, support, and unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.