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, which featured addresses by its Speaker, Ágnes Forsthoffer, the Hungarian President Andras Baka; the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen; the European Council President Antonio Costa, and Norway’s Minister of Finance, Jens Stoltenberg.
Hungarian President Baka reflected on the ideals and historical significance of the 1956 Revolution. He noted that, 7 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 the 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.
The attendees paid tribute to the victims of the Revolution with a minute of silence. 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.
The main commemorative gathering took place in Lajos Kossuth Square.
Siljanovska-Davkova attended a gala event at the Hungarian State Opera, as well as a reception at the Museum of Fine Arts hosted by the Prime Minister of Hungary, Peter Magyar.
