Hungarian Revival

Since the fall of 'the wall' in 1989 enormous changes have been taking place in Central Europe. Political, national, cultural and geographic patterns that have shaped Central Europe up until the time of the First World War are again beginning to emerge as the power and dynamism of the Wilsonian right to self-determination and autonomy which national communities will inevitably claim for themselves, is asserted. The biggest minority issue is that of the Hungarians. The Treaty of Trianon (1920), which for 75 years has influenced the workings of the power constellation in the region was responsible for depriving Hungary of two-thirds of its territory and for turning millions of Hungarians domiciled in surrounding countries into second-class citizens. Even today Hungarian communities are still being exposed to the cruel and relentless psychological and physical terror that, in some states, has taken on the form of genocide. Things are starting to change though. The structure of countries caught in the grasp of tyranny such as Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia, has already disintegrated and now the Hungarians are struggling for the rights and autonomy. Up to now, the west has not paid enough attention to the Hungarian interest. Dr Laszlo Maracz writes in his book that the opinion about Hungarians is defined by stereotypes and prejudices. The Hungarians are stigmatised as nationalists, revisionists and anti-semitists. This judgment is in violent contrast with those brave Hungarian rebels who in 1956 fought empty-handed against the Soviets to gain freedom. In the upheavals of 1989, the Hungarians supported the revolution to topple the 'Rumanian genius', Ceaucescu. The west makes an error of judgment. In spite of the historical set backs that have led into national disunity. Hungary is the only loyal country in this region to support the democratic west.