German-Hungarian Millennium Monument Unveiled in Budapest
Gergely Gulyás, The Minister Leading the Office of the Prime Minister, participated in the unveiling of a monument that honors “the millennium Hungarians and Germans have spent together in the Carpathian Basin” in Budapest’s 16th district last Thursday. During the ceremony, the minister proclaimed, “Germans living here belong to us Hungarians.”
Gulyás emphasized the significance of the new monument, paying homage to Hungary’s ethnic German population, stating, “a country could be captured with weapons, but a homeland could only be won through one’s life.” He continued by emphasizing that the individuals being honored are not strangers living amongst the Hungarian population, but rather an integral part of the community.
The minister also expressed his disapproval of the shameful deportation of ethnic Germans from Hungary after the Second World War.
The ceremony was attended by Germany’s ambassador to Hungary, Julia Gross, who highlighted the timing of the inauguration, coinciding with the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.
In addition, Gulyás acknowledged the present and future coexistence with ethnic Germans, noting that the latest census recorded 142,000 individuals of German descent in Hungary.
This event marks a significant step in acknowledging the shared history and cultural ties between Hungary and Germany. It serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and understanding among nations with shared histories.
