Gordana Siljanovska‑Davkova in Budapest for 70th anniversary of 1956 Hungarian Revolution

President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova attended ceremonies in Budapest marking the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, taking part in the international programme of commemorative events in Hungary's capital.

She followed a formal session of the National Assembly of Hungary where speakers included the assembly's presiding officer Agnes Forsthofer, Hungarian President András Baka, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Council António Costa and Norway's finance minister Jens Stoltenberg.

Commemoration and messages on European unity

During the session the Hungarian president reflected on the ideals and historical significance of the 1956 uprising and warned that European democracy and solidarity face serious challenges even seven decades on. EU leaders attending highlighted European unity, welcomed democratic advances and reforms in Hungary, and noted benefits Hungary has gained from EU membership over the past 22 years.

A minute of silence was observed for the victims of the revolution and a documentary film was shown to attendees.

Speaking about the anniversary, President Siljanovska-Davkova described the 1956 Hungarian Revolution as an enduring symbol of courage, love of freedom and dignity for a people, and said it was an honour to attend and pay tribute to an event of importance not only for Hungary but for Europe.

"It is good to hear the highest representatives of the EU say that the Hungarian Revolution has made a great contribution to building democracy, and that it is worth all of us fighting for Europe as our common home," the president said.

Central commemorations were held at Kossuth Square. Siljanovska-Davkova also attended a gala performance at the Hungarian State Opera and a reception at the Museum of Fine Arts hosted by Hungary's prime minister, Peter Magyar.

Photo: press material from the event