Semjén Zsolt Emphasizes the Survival of the Hungarian Nation Through the Perseverance of All Its Communities
During a recent session of the Hungarian Diaspora Council held in Budapest, Deputy Prime Minister Semjén Zsolt stressed the importance of unity for the survival of the Hungarian nation. He noted that the preservation of every community is crucial to sustain a complete and undivided nationality. Zsolt highlighted Hungary’s historical transformation into a transnational nation, a development that presents both challenges and opportunities.
Importance of Hungarian Communities Worldwide
Semjén Zsolt pointed out that diaspora communities serve as vital anchor points for Hungary. These communities not only promote cultural and economic ties but also represent political interests in their respective countries. He articulated Hungary’s constitutional commitment to support all its citizens, regardless of their location around the globe.
Resources for the Diaspora
- Funding for Hungarian communities has significantly increased from 9 billion HUF in 2010 to approximately 1,600 billion HUF today.
- The financial support for the diaspora will continue to increase, ensuring the preservation of Hungarian identity worldwide.
- The ‘Hazaváró’ program is designed to facilitate the safe return of Hungarians from abroad, exemplified by the evacuation of Hungarians from Venezuela.
Support Programs and Scholarships
Zsolt expressed his hope that there would be no further forced repatriations in the future. He emphasized the importance of the Church and organizations like the Scouts in maintaining Hungarian identity abroad. The Kőrösi Csoma Sándor Program is recognized as one of the most successful initiatives, focused on establishing grassroots organizations for Hungarians living overseas. This initiative has recently expanded to include Iceland and Lithuania.
Educational Opportunities
- More than 1,100 students have benefited from scholarship programs aimed at fostering connections with the homeland.
- Special scholarship systems have been implemented to attract students from the diaspora, with 236 students from Western communities arriving in Hungary this year and an additional 164 anticipated from 30 different countries.
National Unity and Citizenship
Deputy Prime Minister Semjén Zsolt also discussed the legal unification of the Hungarian nation. To date, approximately 1.2 million people have transitioned from being nationals to citizens. He assured that any Hungarian wishing to maintain their nationality will receive full support from the state.
Upcoming Initiatives
Hungarian officials, including Nacsa Lőrinc and Szilágyi Péter, also addressed the council, discussing the importance of strong communities in facing current threats related to security and migration. They announced plans for the upcoming budget for strengthening diaspora programs, including commemorations for the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Revolution and a new online Hungarian language learning initiative.
In conclusion, the discussions emphasized the significance of community building and national identity preservation amidst global challenges. The Hungarian government remains committed to supporting its diaspora while fostering connections back to Hungary.
