Hungary’s Worst National Tragedy Happens Today
Hungary commemorated the National Day of Cohesion on June 5, marking the anniversary of the Treaty of Trianon. At an event in Porva, western Hungary, Péter Szilágyi, the state secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office, spoke about how national self-awareness and hope gave strength to Hungarians outside the country’s borders after the treaty. He mentioned that the government has been working since 2010 to fulfill the hope that “our mother tongue, traditions and culture will not only be part of memory, but the reality of everyday life.” The government has been providing support to Hungarian schools abroad, and students studying in public education in Hungary can visit the Hungarian-inhabited areas of neighbouring countries at least once.
Katalin Szili, chief advisor to the prime minister, spoke at another event in Malinovo, Slovakia, about the importance of Hungary addressing 21st-century challenges as a strong nation. She said that in the 103 years since the adoption of the Treaty of Trianon, the Hungarians have proven that they are a united nation despite the border divisions. She also emphasized the need to create a possible new centre of gravity in Europe by achieving a kind of cooperation with neighbouring states. Szili said that the Europe envisioned must prioritize national sovereignty and a Europe of nations in the future. She reiterated that Hungary must focus on how it can be a strong resource for Europe as a nation.
