Following the city commemoration on the 15th of March, 2025, László Mándi, the local government representative of the Momentum, removed the wreath placed by the Consul General of the Russian Federation.
It is unworthy of our national holiday that the representative of the Momentum’s local government representative wants to discredit Debrecen with such an act. Every year on the 15th of March, the 20th of August and the 23rd of October, city, government, minority self-government, church, political and civil organisations in our city lay wreaths of remembrance respectfully remembering the heroes of our nation.
This is what happened today too. For years, the Consul General of the Russian Federation in Debrecen has been expressing his respect for the Hungarian heroes with his personal presence at our commemorations, alongside whom, as in previous years, representatives of the Ukrainian, Bulgarian, Polish, German, Romanian and Ruthenian minority self-governments also participated in the festive event. Attending and laying a wreath at another nation’s important historical commemoration is respect, and if there is a place for this, it is a form of confronting the historical past.
This should be approved and supported in all cases, as this is the only way to express mutual respect and peaceful coexistence between peoples and nations. The city of Debrecen has ensured and will continue to ensure the dignity of remembrance for everyone, and will not exclude anyone on political grounds!
We condemn the provocative and offensive act of László Mándi. By insulting the gesture of representatives of other nations expressing their respect for our country, he has brought shame to our city and our country.
The Municipality of Debrecen condemns László Mándi’s act, and we call on him to refrain from behavior that destroys the reputation of the city of Debrecen and its citizens, as stated in his representative’s oath!
Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu