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Temesvár is part of our common European identity

2019. 12. 17.

Press Release by MEP Kinga Gál

“The revolution in Temesvár (Timisoara, Romania) and the freedom gained as its result, is part of our common European identity that is equally valuable to both Romanians and Hungarians” – said Fidesz MEP Kinga Gál at the European Parliament’s plenary debate held in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Romanian Revolution of December 1989.

“Thirty years ago, on December 15, 1989, the Romanian Revolution began on the Maria Square in Temesvár. Hungarians, Romanians, Germans and Serbs jointly protested against the unlawful expulsion of László Tőkés, the protestant pastor of Temesvár. Protestants, Catholics, Baptists, Orthodox and other denominations have taken a joint stand against inhumane communism. People stood in front of the tanks because they no longer wanted to endure the terror, the humiliation and the orwellian methods of the Communist Secret Service”, emphasized Kinga Gál.

MEP Gál recalled that the Hungarian protestant priest – along with his diocese – had originally opposed the village demolition plan of Nicolae Ceausescu. “They risked their livelihoods, their families, their lives for the sake of their national and religious community. They fought for freedom. We have to bow our head in front of the bravery of our former colleague, László Tőkés, and in front of all the people who have shown courage in that crucial time”, underlined MEP Gál.

“The revolution starting in Temesvár that shaked all of Romania, finally brought an end to communism and created a much desired freedom in the country as well. However, it is unacceptable that crimes against humanity committed during the Revolution have remained unpunished to this day. We also remember today the more than 1200 victims of the Romanian Revolution killed by the communists”, recalled Kinga Gál.

The Fidesz MEP added that the Romanian Revolution was one of the moments in history that Europe’s peoples were able to fight for freedom together. “This freedom is part of our common European identity. The Romanian Revolution is a common European value. We have to appreciate and cherish its memory”, concluded Kinga Gál.