Celebrating Hungarian National Day in Manila

(Speech of H.E. Kövér László, Speaker of the National Assembly of Hungary, during the Oct. 23 National Day Reception held on Oct. 14, 2025 in Manila.)

- 

It is my pleasure to stand before you today to commemorate the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and War of Independence, in the spirit of the love of freedom and democratic commitment that live in the hearts of both the Hungarian and Filipino peoples.

It is an honor to be able to celebrate this important Hungarian National Day here in Manila as well, joined by our good friends.

On Oct. 23, 1956, the Hungarian people stood up for their freedom, national sovereignty, and democracy. In 1956, the Hungarians not only fought a revolution, but also reinforced the ideal of human freedom in the 20th century and left it as a legacy for future generations. Although the revolution failed, history did not stand still: in 1989, Hungary was the first of the Central European countries to peacefully open the way to the full restoration of freedom and democracy. For us, these dates stand as a reminder that freedom is not a single achievement, but a continuous struggle.