The Tranzit Festival is organised with the aim to help integrate Hungary’s youth into politics and prepare them for participation in public life, Minister of Defence Csaba Hende stated at the festival’s opening yesterday. This year, the festival took place between 21 and 25 August in Kőszeg near the Austrian border.

Several members of both the governing and opposition parties were invited to participate in roundtable discussions and answer the questions of the audience. These events further political dialogue by providing an opportunity for Hungarians to meet politicians in an informal setting. This year’s guests included, among others, State Secretary for External Economic Relations and Foreign Affairs Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Human Resources Zoltán Balog and Fidesz group leader Antal Rogán as well as socialist MPs István Újhelyi and István Hiller, and Green MPs András Schiffer and Gábor Vágó. Foreign journalists and political analysts were also invited as speakers, providing a different perspective on Hungarian politics.

On Saturday the Government’s international spokesperson Ferenc Kumin also took part in a roundtable discussion, with foreign journalists Igor Janke (Rzeczpospolita) and Helmar Dumbs (Die Presse), talking about Hungary’s image in the foreign media.

Visitors to the festival did not only have a chance to participate in discussions on politics, business and public life, but also to take part in programs related to culture, religion, gastronomy and sport, while in the evenings concerts ensured a more casual atmosphere.

The country’s conservative youth regularly organises events and festivals throughout the year, actively engaging in heated discussions about Hungary’s future. The Hungarian Government support these platforms in order to have an open discussion with the younger generations with politicians and members of government often participating.

(Prime Minister’s Office)