This is the second time in a row that the event, which traditionally features a keynote address by Hungarian PM Orbán, has been canceled.Continue reading
The large meeting of the Carpathian Basin dubbed ‘Tusványos’ is a “unique workshop for national cohesion and the nation’s will to survive,” Zsolt Németh, the head of parliament’s foreign affairs committee said on Tuesday.
The Bálványos Free Summer University and Student Camp in Tusnádfürdő (Baile Tusnad), central Romania – usually referred to as ‘Tusványos’- is an annual large-scale intellectual workshop. It aims to promote cross-border cooperation, Romanian–Hungarian dialogue, and to provide a forum for ethnic Hungarians to discuss political, economical, social, and cultural issues with each other as well as other visitors from the Carpathian Basin, the Hungarian government, and neighboring countries.
One of the most significant attractions of Tusványos is the annual keynote speech by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, in which he talks often in philosophical depth about how he sees the state and future of Hungarian and world politics, and where he frequently sets out the main political directions of his government and party.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Summer University had to be canceled for the past two years in a row, but will make its comeback between July 19 and 24.
Regarding the upcoming 31st Bálványos Free Summer University, Zsolt Németh said at a press conference that up to 60,000 visitors were expected to attend, while the meeting will feature around 400 events in 27 tents.
According to Németh, Tusványos is a workshop for national identity and sovereignty and he views it as a platform for building alliances. Lasting alliances can only be built on a firm set of values, he said.
Németh also announced that Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has accepted an invitation to Tusványos, as well as bishop László Tőkés, head of the Hungarian National Council of Transylvania.
Deputy Prime Minister of Romania and president of the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania, Hunor Kelemen, will exchange views with Hungarian Justice Minister Judit Varga, he added.
A roundtable of party politicians will also be held, with the participation of Zsolt Molnár of the opposition Socialists, László Lóránt Keresztes of opposition LMP, Máté Kocsis of ruling Fidesz, and Lőrinc Nacsa of the co-ruling Christian Democrats, he said.
Featured photo by Nándor Veres/MTI