“In 2018 it remains obvious that without sovereignty, independence and autonomy, a nation cannot realise its goals, and the 23 October celebrations are also being organised in this spirit”, Government Spokesperson Zoltán Kovács said at a press conference in Budapest on Tuesday.
Speaking in front of the House of Terror Museum, the Government Spokesperson highlighted: “In a few days we will be celebrating a national holiday at which we will be commemorating one of the most important moments in history for both the Hungarians and the world”.
“The heroes of 1956 fought for Hungarian sovereignty and independence, and reinforced the foundations laid down by previous freedom-fighters, and by doing so they enabled Hungary to become a free, independent and sovereign country in the beginning of the 21st century”, Mr. Kovács stressed.
He said that in his opinion today’s processes give added weight to the work of the 1956 revolutionaries, because now, in 2018, the need for sovereignty, independence and autonomy is also obvious, because without these a nation cannot realise its goals, that assure its continued survival and its future.
With relation to the programme, the Government Spokesperson told the press that commemorative events will begin on 22 October, with Parliamentary State Secretary Bence Rétvári from the Ministry of Human Capacities giving a speech at 2 p.m. at the 1956 memorial at the University of Technology. The participants will walk over to the traditional University of Technology commemoration, where former Prime Minister Péter Boross will deliver a speech at 3 p.m., he said.
One of the highlights of the celebrations will be in the evening on Bem Square, where Minister heading the Prime Minister’s Office Gergely Gulyás will give a speech, he highlighted.
On 23 October, the day will begin in the morning with the traditional hoisting of the flag and full military honours, and the Parliament Building will be open to visitors free of charge during the day. At 3 p.m., Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will deliver a speech in front of the House of Terror Museum, he added.
In the evening, there will be concerts by the Hungarian Symphony Orchestra and Anna and the Barbies.
The Government Spokesperson also spoke about the fact that Operational Group began work on Monday and during the week will be compiling a security plan and all of the necessary documents to allow the unhindered holding of the celebrations. “All those involved are working to ensure that everyone can celebrate the national holiday freely and in a manner that is worthy of a sovereign state”, Mr. Kovács said in closing.