October 23 – Novak: Hungary revolution was ‘fatal wound’ to West’s illusions about communism

In her speech at the event held at the Hungarian consulate general, Novak said the Hungarian revolution had “moved the entire world”, shining a light on the realities of Soviet oppression, and gave the first impetus to “breaking with the illusions about communism in the West”.

Novak added, however, that some still entertained illusions about Marxism and claimed that conservatives were the only threats to freedom and had to be “accused of hate speech” and forced to constantly apologise and “disown their past”.

But the freedom of Europe is not under threat from nations and national sovereignty, but rather the “illusion of a uniform, global and childless future and the abandonment of our Christian culture and national identity”, she said.

Karl Freller, vice-president of the Landtag of Bavaria, highlighted the international relevance of the revolution, saying that Hungarians’ love for freedom had contributed significantly to Germany’s reunification. He emphasised the importance of preserving the friendship between Hungary and Bavaria and of engaging in dialogue even when they do not agree on everything.

At the event, Miklos Dezasse, founder of the association of alumni of the Hungarian secondary school in Bavaria, who emigrated to the state with his parents from Budapest after the revolution, was presented with the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of Hungary for his efforts in strengthening Hungarian-German relations and shaping the Hungarian diaspora community.