Hungary marks 70 years since 1956 uprising in Budapest

Hungary marked the 70th anniversary of its 1956 uprising in Budapest on October 23, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa among the visiting dignitaries. The commemorations took place as Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s government sought to rebuild relations with the European Union after Viktor Orbán’s departure from office. The events included a ceremonial flag-raising outside Parliament, speeches and memorial activities. Magyar laid flowers at the graveside of Hungarians killed in the uprising and later addressed a crowd in Kossuth Square. The crowd numbered tens of thousands, according to an Associated Press account. Magyar praised those who had fought Soviet rule and said Hungary belonged to a free and democratic Europe. Von der Leyen spoke at a parliamentary commemoration, recalling the Hungarians’ struggle for freedom, democracy and justice. She also praised Magyar’s government for reforms it had undertaken since Orbán’s defeat. Magyar said more than 40 foreign delegations attended, though that figure was his statement and no independently verified final count was reported. The anniversary drew prominent...