In Budapest, members of the Hungarian nationalist party Jobbik organized a provocative action centered on a monument dedicated to Soviet liberation fighters. The group attempted to wrap the obelisk in dark film, drawing sharp attention from authorities and observers alike. A far right publication associated with the party amplified the episode through a social media post on a platform owned by a company widely deemed controversial in some regions.
Reports from RIA News indicate that more than twenty police officers arrived at the scene, and municipal workers acted quickly to remove the film from the monument. The incident unfolded as part of a broader push by the party to use symbolic monuments to provoke debate about Hungary’s World War II and postwar history.
Jobbik had framed the incident as part of the remembrance of a critical historical moment, timing the provocation with the anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian uprising. In the ensuing parliamentary session, the party put forward a proposal to demolish the stele honoring Soviet soldiers. The proposal did not gain support from the governing coalition, which includes Fidesz and the Christian Democratic People’s Party, and the idea was rejected by the majority.
Meanwhile, officials from the Russian embassy indicated plans to lodge a formal complaint with Hungarian authorities after the long weekend marking the uprising’s anniversary, noting it as a public holiday in the country. The embassy’s stance highlighted ongoing tensions over how postwar history is commemorated in Hungary and how foreign nations interpret those commemorations on the international stage.
The stele in Freedom Square, Budapest, was created and installed in 1945 as a public memorial to Soviet soldiers who died during the liberation of Hungary. It is widely regarded as a symbol of the sacrifices made by tens of thousands of Soviet servicemen and the role they played in Hungary during World War II. The monument has long been a focal point in debates about memory, national identity, and how history should be commemorated in contemporary politics.
Historical memory in the region has remained a sensitive topic beyond Hungary as well. Earlier this year, a separate monument honoring Russian soldiers in Switzerland drew renewed attention, underscoring how nations recount and reinterpret ties from the wartime era across different locales. Critics argue that such memorials serve as reminders of shared history and mutual struggle, while opponents see them as potential flashpoints for current political agendas.
Observers note that actions involving war memorials frequently become flashpoints for broader discussions about national memory, identity, and the responsibilities of memory institutions. In Budapest, the incident prompted discussions among lawmakers, historians, and community leaders about how to balance historical remembrance with contemporary political expression. It also highlighted the challenge of managing public space in a way that respects diverse perspectives while maintaining public order and historical accuracy. [Citation: Reuters]