At a time when the alliance between Hungary and Poland appears to be growing in strength, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki greeted the Hungarian people in an online address to the Hungarian nation on the occasion of the Memorial Day of the 1848 Revolution in Hungary, which is commemorated on March 15.
“We Poles, as a nation who like Hungarians had to fight for its sovereignty, understand the symbolism of days such as this one,” Morawiecki said
The Hungarian uprising erupted on March 15, 1848, in the town of Pest following the news of revolutions in Paris and Vienna. It became a War of Independence and a part of the Spring of Nations.
Morawiecki recalled the words of Hungarian poet Sandor Petofi who participated in the uprising. He emphasized that Hungarians “had a great desire for freedom which was shared by Poles”.Morawiecki said that Poles showed their support for the uprising, especially with Polish General Józef Bem, who fought a number of battles with the Hungarians, resulting in Hungary memorializing the Pole as a national hero to this day.
The prime minister underlined that Poles and Hungarians are united by a centuries-long friendship and brotherhood.
“Our nations love freedom and showed that they can fight for it and support each other in that battle. While today, we do not have to fight with swords, we still support each other and our allies. Together we care for the well-being of not only our citizens, but also the region’s development and security,” he said.
Morawiecki wished Hungarians to be able to use their talents and skills in service to values in which they believe in, just like Sándor Petőfi had. Petőfi is considered Hungary’s national poet and is generally believed to have died in action during one of the final battles of Hungary’s War for Independence.
“Be proud of your history, culture and language. Nurture the deeply enrooted desire for freedom. It is that desire, as you have shown many times, which can change the world for the better,” he stated.
