The 300-kilometer “nation-uniting walk” of the Hungarian opposition leader has come to an end – we’ve gotten to know and understand each other better, and that’s exactly what we needed right now

https://i.redd.it/kcm241vr1q2f1.jpeg

by Colin_Robinson_Jr

25 comments

  1. Péter Magyar set off from Budapest last Wednesday after Viktor Orbán betrayed the Hungarian minority living in Romania by strongly implying that he supports a nationalist, pro-Putin, and anti-Hungarian candidate in the elections.

    Magyar’s initial goal was to express solidarity with the Hungarian minority in Romania, but his journey ended up meaning much more than that. Since the entire route – except for less than 10 kilometers – took place within Hungary, this “nation-uniting” initiative was primarily for us, Hungarians.

    After 15 years of the Orbán regime dividing the country along the lines of left and right, urban and rural, we truly needed a walk like this. It was refreshing and joyful to see how people in the villages welcomed those coming from the capital with open arms, singing, eating, drinking together, and joining in all kinds of events. In the final days, these gatherings turned into small-scale “village festivals”: everyone came out to greet Magyar and his group, offering them food and drinks.

    Along the way, Magyar spoke to countless people – from children to the elderly, from professionals to everyday workers.

    We believe he learned a lot by meeting, quite literally, thousands of people, seeing their problems, hearing their voices. Importantly, much of the 300-kilometer route passed through areas that have long been Fidesz strongholds – small towns and villages. But this time, he might have won big here too. A huge number of people spoke to him personally, heard for themselves how propaganda lies and distorts reality, and saw with their own eyes that those coming to visit them are just people too – people who want good things, who want to work for the country.

    This event meant a lot to many, because despite these regions being Fidesz bastions, the government hasn’t really cared about the people living here – they’ve just taken their votes and drained them dry. And yet, no politician had set foot there in 30 years – not even from the opposition, which had repeated for decades that they “should reach out to the countryside,” but never actually did. Now, finally, personal connections and experiences were made.

    There were also some great gags along the way: for instance, right at the start, Magyar announced that he would only give a statement to the propaganda media if they walked with him for two days – and managed to keep up.They often poked fun at Orbán and his latest absurdities. At one point, a car resembling the infamous “black car” from the communist era showed up – a chilling symbol still recognized today in Hungary, as these were the vehicles used by the pro-Soviet authorities to disappear people they didn’t like. This was a deliberate jab, suggesting that Orbán and his circle are now evoking those dark times – and who knows what they’re planning next.

    It was a perfect example of that very particular, very morbid Hungarian humor.

    In Oradea (Nagyvárad), many people came out to welcome him, and they were warm and friendly. In his speech, he emphasized that it’s not only Hungarians who need to come together and bury the divisions among themselves – but that Hungarians and Romanians must also reach out to one another.

    Throughout the journey, supporters pinned ribbons to the flag at every town and village – some even brought ribbons from farther away. This flag became the symbol of “national unity and belonging.” The march was streamed live online.

    At times, over 10,000 viewers were watching – just to see people walking. By the end, it truly became a community-building event. I’ve been writing to you here on the sub these past few days about the event(s) – I hope it wasn’t too much or too exhausting.

    I just wanted – we wanted – to show that our country has another side, not just Orbán and his crew.

    We are preparing to return to Europe – with decent, determined, kind people. And now we’ve taken a million steps toward making that happen. Thank you – thank you all for your attention and all the comments you’ve shared here on the sub in recent days. It’s good to see that many of you still wish for the end of the era we’re currently living in. We feel the same way. Europe, we want to come back.

  2. I like this trend, walking is generally healthy and promoting it is amazing!

  3. The best solution to the Orban issue: a democratic revolution! **Ne add fel!**

  4. 300km (186 mi) walk in 11 days.

    I recommend looking at his facebook profile for photos. (Today’s photos are not yet published)

    https:// www . face book. com/ peter.magyar.102/photos (remove the spaces)

    He’s going back to Budapest tomorrow because he’ll have a children’s day festival to attend.

    **He simply doesn’t stop.**

  6. What an amazing event. Stay strong brothers and sisters from Hungary. It deeply moved me here in germany.

  7. He said that he’ll do more stuff like this.

    He also said:

    This isn’t the end but the beginning of something.

  8. The march was such a great idea. I hope it will bring Magyar and Hungarian people closer, both together and to the final victory over Orban.

    It would be great if politicians in other countries took a cue and organize similar marches in their countries.

  9. Respect to all my Romanian friends who understood this is not about nationalism and thus let Magyar reach the Transylvanian community. It’s one of the last bastions of Orban. Hope the Hungarian community understood the meaning of this effort.

  10. Putting him in charge is like putting an exreich guy on the lead of west-germany after ww2. Hungarians will remain on the same spot . Only the foreign-politics will change and will follow the Eu directive. Other than that, they will continue to hold one of the last spots of Eu ranks in almost every rating.

  11. Does that mean RuSSia is not your ally any more?

  12. It’s amazing how important charisma is. Péter Magyar is so much better than any opposition candidate that Hungary had in decades. Orbán is nervous and makes mistakes under the pressure from Magyar.

  13. There should be more politicians like that. many countries are lacking those

  14. As a Romanian from Oradea/Nagyvárad I also went there when they were at the theater to show my support. I believe in your victory Hungarian brothers and sisters!

  15. That is really inspiring and makes me hope that Hungary will finally get rid of Orban for good!

  19. And then Peter Magyar gets arrested for “corruption, fraud and political dissident” and his party declared illegal by Orbán. We all know how this is going to end.

  20. I live in Oradea/Nagyvarad, and went out to greet him, shook his hand and walked back into the city with him and his followers to hear his speech. On the few-kilometer walk from the border to the city I am honored to say I have become friends with some great people, some of whom walked with him from day one. I was also pleased to see even Romanians turning up and joining in, even if they spoke absolutely no Hungarian.

    The change in tone, to finally hear someone speak of unity between nations, instead of sowing division was welcome, especially given the turbulent times.

    Together in Europe 🇭🇺🤝🏼🇷🇴

  22. Hoping this man gets elected, seems like an outstanding guy

  24. Hopefully Orban abdicated voluntarily. It doesn’t seem the most likely scenario

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