Hungarian Politicians Commemorate Victims of Communism
February 25 marks Hungary’s Memorial Day for the Victims of Communism. Notable individuals within the Hungarian government, as well as some opposition parties, have voiced their commemoration for the victims of Soviet Occupation and Hungarian communism throughout the 20th century.
On this date in 1947, Béla Kovács, leader of the independent Smallholders Party, was unlawfully arrested and deported to the Soviet Union. On June 16, 2000, the Hungarian Parliament declared February 25 a national day of remembrance in honor of Kovács.
Government Officials Emphasize the Importance of Remembrance
Head of the Prime Minister’s Office Gergely Gulyássaid that the “suffering caused by communism and heroic defiance against dictatorship is a part of our national identity.”