Hungarian Revolution 'marked my whole life'

The 1956 Hungarian Revolution was a spontaneous nationwide revolt against the Communist government, lasting from October 23 until November 10.

It began as a student demonstration, which attracted thousands as it marched through central Budapest to the Parliament building.

At 25 and having just graduated from university, Former President Guido de Marco closely followed those developments.

A student delegation entering the radio building in an attempt to broadcast their demands was detained. Demonstrators demanding the delegation's release were fired on by the state security police from inside the building. The news spread like wild fire and disorder and violence erupted throughout the capital.

"I had just graduated at the time and I was profoundly affected by the crisis. I took part in a number of protests which were taking place then. The issue affected me particularly, because I was at a time in my life when I really understood idealism."

For his activism back then, Prof. de Marco was recently presented with the Hero of Freedom medal at his home by Hungarian ambassador Istvan Kovacs.

The 50th anniversary of the uprising was commemorated in Malta on Friday with a ceremony at the Lower Barrakka Garden in Valletta, and at a reception in Attard hosted by Hungary's ambassador to Italy and Malta, Istvan Kovacs.

Chief Justice Emeritus Giuseppe Mifsud Bonnici and Lino Abela, who in 1956 were president and secretary respectively of the university's student representative body, also received the medal for a similar contribution.

The fact that students initiated the revolt enhanced the identification of these Maltese youth with the Hungarians engaged in the struggle. "As I said, I had just graduated at the time... it was an experience that marked my whole life," said Prof. de Marco.

"I paid homage to the Hungarian people who lost their lives in the uprisings both during state visits and whenever I visited the country."