Hungary's orban vows to keep nation off imperial chessboard

For over a decade, every year on June 4th, Hungarians observe National Unity Day to commemorate the Trianon Treaty of 1920 between the Entente powers and Hungary, following the defeat of Austria-Hungary in World War I and its subsequent dissolution.

Under the treaty, Hungary lost two-thirds of the territory of the Kingdom of Hungary, mainly to the newly proclaimed Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, as well as to Czechoslovakia and Romania. Hungary also lost 62% of its population, with 30% being ethnic Hungarians.

Orban said on Tuesday that June 4th was a "day of attempting to murder the Hungarian nation," and the state and nation were subjected to a "cruel, merciless, and unjust dictate."

In his speech, the Hungarian Prime Minister discussed the upcoming European Parliament elections. Hungary's election campaign was primarily dedicated to the war in Ukraine; Fidesz presents itself as the only guarantor of non-engagement on either side.

- Today we must do what Prime Minister Istvan Tisza (Prime Minister of Hungary in 1903-1905 and 1913-1917) failed to do: prevent Hungary's participation in another European war. We don't want to be pawns sent to war on an imperial chessboard again - Orban stated, speaking in the town of Geszt near the border with Romania.

President Tamas Sulyok also attended the ceremonies held at the restored 18th-century Tisza Castle.