English
President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova attended the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution in Budapest. As part of the international program, she attended a formal session of the National Assembly of Hungary. Speakers at the session included the Assembly’s Speaker, Ágnes Forsthofer; Hungarian President András Baka; European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen; European Council President António Costa; and Norway’s Minister of Finance, Jens Stoltenberg, the President’s Office reported.
Hungarian President Baka reflected on the ideals and historical significance of the 1956 Revolution. He noted that, seven decades later, European democracy and solidarity are once again facing a major challenge. He called for mutual respect, responsibility, and understanding. Von der Leyen and Costa emphasized European unity, welcomed the democratic progress and reforms in Hungary, and highlighted the benefits the country has gained through its EU membership over the past 22 years.
Those present observed a minute of silence to pay tribute to the victims of the revolution. A documentary film was also screened during the formal session. For Siljanovska-Davkova, the Hungarian Revolution stands as an enduring symbol of a nation’s courage, love of freedom, and dignity. In her view, it is an honor to be present and to pay tribute to this significant historical event—one that is momentous not only for Hungary but for Europe as a whole.
“It is heartening to hear top EU representatives state that the Hungarian Revolution made a major contribution to the development of democracy, and that it is worth us all fighting for Europe—our shared home,” the President remarked.