PMO chief: Hungarian-Bavarian relations transcend everyday differences
“Historic” relations between Hungary and Bavaria transcend all day-to-day differences of opinion, Prime Minister’s chief of staff Gergely Gulyás said in Munich on Thursday on the 100th anniversary of Lajos’ death (Louis) III, the last Bavarian ruler.
The ties have lasted for a millennium, he said, noting the marriage of King Saint Stephen and Gizella. The Hungarian and Bavarian industries, he said, are strongly linked to each other. “The more successful the Bavarian industry and economy, the more Hungarian industry and economy prosper,” he said.
Gulyás noted that a settlement had been reached regarding the Wittelsbach treasures contained within the walls of Sarvar Castle, hidden at the end of WWII before being discovered and nationalized in 1952. Based on an agreement along with the family, some of the treasures will be on display at the Ferenc Nádasdy Museum in Sarvar, he added.
“We Hungarians are very proud of this relationship… and we intend to continue working with Bavaria and the Wittelsbach family on new plans for the future,” he said.
Gulyás said in his speech that the question of what kind of Europe is needed amid today’s challenges is a constant concern. Quoting Theodor Heuss, the first German Federal President after World War II, he said that Europe should be created on the basis of Greek philosophy, Roman law and Christianity. Hungary, he added, is committed to these values.
“While accepting that other countries make different choices, we insist on our right to represent the very values, opinions and points of view which, a few decades ago, were expressed by those who now like to criticize us,” said he declared.
Melanie Huml, Minister for European and International Affairs in the Bavarian Provincial Government, also highlighted the common past of Hungary and Bavaria and the “extremely strong relationship” between Bavarians and Hungarians from various backgrounds. Hungary, she noted, is one of Bavaria’s ten most important trading partners, and around 76,000 Hungarians live and work in Bavaria.
In times of disagreement, there is dialogue, said the Christian Social Union (CSU) politician.
Photo illustrated by Tamás Kovács / MTI
