Memorial March for the Republic

Budapest, April 6, 2011, 18.00 p.m.

The draft of the new constitution was made public by the Fidesz-KDNP parliamentary faction on March 9, 2011. This draft implies a breach with the European tradition of liberal democracies and makes a mockery of the noble ideas of the republic we all share. It is putting up legal continuity with a Hungary between the two world wars, with an era that ended in the horror of the holocaust. There are references to the Christianity and to the Holy Crown; at the same time an attempt is made to wipe out an era from the history and collective memory. A discredited, anachronistic and unjust image of the society is promulgated, with a neglect of the social and cultural progress, changes in family patterns, women’s rights and emancipation, enlightened and open society, civil initiatives, of checks and balances. Instead, self-imposed seclusion, exclusion, restrictions to be imposed on the institutions of the constitutional court and referendum are expressed in the draft constitution.

About a year ago a silent march was organized in defence of the Hungarian Jewry, as a protest against antisemitism. Now a demonstration is proposed to follow the same route in defence of the republic, liberal democracy and constitutionalism.

Let us remind the political power that this land called Hungary belongs also to us for whom republic, freedom, democracy and openness are essential values. We reject completely the expropriation of the Hungarian history, nation and land on behalf of Christianity.

Everyone who attaches vital importance to the republic, liberal democracy and constitutional order is invited to join us: Gentiles and Jews, Roma and Hungarians, liberals, conservatives, socialists. Our peaceful and dignified walk should demonstrate: we will not allow our republic and our freedoms to be ghettoized.

Budapest, March 10, 2011

Presidium of SZEMA

Meeting place: square in front of Dohány Synagogue, at 18 p.m.

Route of the memorial march: Dohány street – Akácfa street – Dob street – Klauzál square – Kazinczy street – Wesselényi street – Dohány Synagogue.