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Politics

Opening of the borders, 1989

By Ádám Terjék
Translated by Judit Révész

The picture of the opening of the Hungarian-Austrian border in 1989 is living vividly in my memory: in the television news of 10 September 1989 a group of East German tourists exult and rejoice at the announcement of Gyula Horn, 24828.jpgHungarian foreign minister saying all DDR citizens staying in Hungary could leave to the “west” with their passport. Surpassing all expectations this act of Hungary played a crucial role in the soon destruction of the Berlin Wall, the reunion of Germany and of Europe. As Helmut Kohl, former chancellor of West Germany summarised in a short sentence: It was the Hungarians drawing the first brick out of the wall.

Image: Gyula Horn cutting the barbed wire at the Austrian-Hungarian border in 1989; Soucre: MTI, www.mult-kor.hu

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Friday, September 11 2009 By jj - News from Hungary

EP campaign without anything European?

On 1 May 2009 a new campaign had been launched in Hungary. Considering that there is a constant campaign in the country since almost 2 years this is really not a phenomenon that makes voters thrill up. Even tough they should do so. Because others will decide instead of them if they keep off from polling.

It is more of less clear what Hungarians will vote about on 7th June: about politicians to be delegated to the European Parliament the only directly elected institution of the EU that has growing rights and duties. But how to decide it and especially on the basis of what kind of information? This is a more difficult question.

Photo gallery of EP campaign posters included.

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Sunday, May 10 2009 By Albino Blacksheep - European Union

4,000-5,000 joined the civil march of "Tarka Magyar" for non-violence

FlickrOctober 4, 2008

Various civil groups decided to organize a demonstration called "Tarka Magyar" ("Diverse Hungarian") to commemorate the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, the International Day of Non-Violence. Organizers hoped the demonstration would be the "biggest non-partisan demonstration since the fall of communism", but turn-out fell far short of the expected 100,000 people. Eventually, some 4,000-5,000 people joined the march that ran through downtown Budapest on Saturday afternoon to protest against discrimination and violence and support tolerance.

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Tuesday, October 7 2008 By Linda - News from Hungary

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