2024-01-01 11:53:57
New Year’s speech by the President:
Written by Rainer Ackermann
“We rely on talent, hard work and grace,” emphasized President Katalin Novák in her New Year’s speech. This was broadcast on public television immediately after the national anthem was played early on New Year’s morning.
Katalin Novák spoke of expectations and hopes on the threshold of 2024, in which year Hungarians want to tackle their tasks with renewed energy and vitality. The President, who is very sporty herself, invited her compatriots to make 2024 the “Year of Exercise”, specifically recommending running, hiking, swimming, cycling, football and fitness training. Everyone should take professional athletes as role models and not only cheer them on, but also keep themselves fit.
Proud of the Pope and the Nobel Prizes
As highlights of the past year, Novák recalled the Pope’s visit to Hungary, the Nobel Prizes for Katalin Karikó and Ferenc Krausz, the World Athletics Championships and the footballers’ group victory in the European Championship qualification. Not only could all Hungarians enjoy this, they should also be proud that their President was received with respect in 30 countries around the world in 2023. “We Hungarians know that we are a talented nation with great self-confidence, that ticks differently and is confident of a lot.” She herself works to ensure that the Hungarians’ positions find understanding and lead to cooperation.
The promise of full EU membership
The President warned about the wars in Ukraine and Israel. “While there are mass protests and political uncertainty in many parts of the world and many Hungarians also have to struggle with everyday worries, we live in peace.” After Katalin Novák listed many encounters from the year behind us, she recalled the turn of the year 2003 2004. At that time, Hungarians had great expectations of the upcoming EU accession in May 2004. “Today we see the advantages of the community, but also the difficulties. We have not forgotten that we were promised full membership.”
The President concluded her speech by pointing out the newborns, children and grandchildren who bring hope and confidence, who give life meaning, and why it is worth fighting for a more peaceful and happier future.
#Hungarians #talented #nation