The “Imperishable” Coexistence of Germans and Hungarians
Dr. Gerhard Papke, former MP for the German FDP party and president of the German-Hungarian Society, recently shared his thoughts on German-Hungarian relations. Despite having no personal connections to Hungary, Dr. Papke was inspired by the Hungarian people’s love of freedom, particularly demonstrated during the 1956 Hungarian National Uprising and the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.
Dr. Papke believes that Germany can learn from Hungary in terms of national consciousness. Hungarians have a strong sense of history and fight to preserve their culture, language, and traditions. In contrast, Germany has been hesitant to embrace its national identity due to the negative association with Hitler and the country’s fascist past. Dr. Papke argues that there is a distinction between excessive nationalism and a healthy national consciousness.
According to Dr. Papke, the left-wing parties in Germany often blur this distinction and fear Hungary’s conservative stance. He believes that Hungary’s defense of traditional family values and sovereignty challenges the progressive agenda of the left. Despite being portrayed negatively in the German media, Hungary has many friends in Germany who appreciate its values and policies.
Dr. Papke also highlights the positive economic relationship between Germany and Hungary. German companies have had positive experiences investing in Hungary, and this economic integration strengthens the German-Hungarian friendship. While there may be political disputes, the strong economic ties between the two countries provide a stable foundation for their relationship.
In conclusion, Dr. Papke believes that Hungary is becoming a place of longing for a world that is being lost in Western Europe. He expresses hope for a future German government that will prioritize the deep friendship between Germany and Hungary. Despite the negative media portrayals, the affection between the German and Hungarian people remains strong, and there is optimism for the future.
