October 23rd: national holiday celebrated

On October 23rd, Hungary celebrated the 54th anniversary of the 1956 revolution against a Stalinist type dictatorship. Speeches were delivered by state leaders and those of the political parties, high state distinctions were handed over. The most popular event was visiting the Parliament building but people were also entertained by music and dance programs nearby.

Official celebrations began in the morning at Kossuth Square in front of the Parliament building where the national flag was ceremonially hoisted. The ceremony was attended by state dignitaries including president Pál Schmitt and prime minister Viktor Orbán.

In his speech at Kossuth Square, the prime minister put things into perspective by saying that – similarly to the 1956 events – his party’s election results earlier this year with over two thirds of the seats in parliament also amounted to a revolution. He was of the view that things were going wrong in the past eight years when other parties were at the helm of the country and now, quick but well-founded steps are needed to set things right and lay down the foundations of a successful future.

The speaker of the European Parliament, Polish politician Jerzy Buzek also attended the celebrations and spoke of the importance of the events 54 years ago and reminded that the Hungarian people chose freedom in 1956 and Poles had great solidarity with them. Those were moments that should never be forgotten as they were one of the initial steps towards a reunified Europe.

The head of the largest opposition force in Parliament, the Socialist Party, Attila Mesterházy spoke at the statue of the emblematic figure of the 1956 events, the then prime minister Imre Nagy in Kaposvár, west-central Hungary. He said Imre Nagy rose to the task of uniting and representing the most important objectives such as freedom, independence, self-determination and living in a legal state. He stressed that these values are to be also cherished today and the party that governs the country today should not monopolize on determining what serves the common good and what not.

The new mayor of Budapest, István Tarlós spoke at the building of Hungarian Radio, one of the important venues of the events on October 23rd, 1956. He was of the view that the revolution of 1956 was that of morality as it did not tolerate oppression, lies, the crippling and spiritual destruction of people. Looking ahead of the tasks he faces as the first man of the city, he pointed out that – just like in 1956 – uncomfortable decisions and actions have to be taken as it was the case 54 years ago.