Prime Minister Viktor Orbán gave a speech in Székesfehérvár on Monday, honouring the 2013 Saint Stephen Memorial Year, which commemorates the first Hungarian king’s legacy on the 975th anniversary of his death. Prior to the speech, the Prime Minister and Mayor of Székesfehérvár András Cser-Palkovics laid wreaths at the king’s tomb. Despite the bank holiday, the Government also held a cabinet meeting in the city on Monday.

In his speech, the Prime Minister stated that „we are gathered here today in memory of our founding king”. He referred to Saint Stephen as the first true statesman of Hungary and emphasised that he had strengthened ties between the people, keeping the nation from falling apart. Without him, we would not be standing here today, he added.

The Prime Minister pointed out that Saint Stephen was not only a great leader but a good husband and father, referring to the remonstrance he wrote to his son, Prince Emeric, in which he gave him advice on how to become a good leader. The event was attended by members of Government, opposition party MPs and representatives of Hungary's historic Churches.

Székesfehérvár is known as the coronation city of Hungarian kings. 37 kings were crowned in Székesfehérvár’s Basilica 15 of whom were also buried there after their deaths.  Tuesday, on the country’s National Day, the founding of the Hungarian State is celebrated along with Saint Stephen as its first king. Numerous official and family programs will take place, with fireworks concluding the festivities.

For further information in English please see: http://augusztus20.kormany.hu/en.

(Prime Minister's Office)