Published: November 15 2023
The Hungarian government has been increasing its support for ethnic minorities within the country. As a part of this effort, a new German primary school has been opened near Budapest. This article will discuss the government's approach to supporting national minorities and the importance of establishing institutions to cater to their needs.
Acknowledging the Importance of National Minorities
Hungary's Fundamental Law recognizes the 13 indigenous national minority groups in the country and declares that they are a part of the Hungarian state. The government aims to maintain strong connections with the motherlands of these ethnic communities, ensuring that even in cases of disagreement, there are no negative consequences for the minority groups. The government believes that fostering good relations with the motherland can also benefit the ethnic community residing within Hungary.
Increased Government Support
The Hungarian government has significantly increased its support for ethnic minorities in recent years. Government support for these communities has been raised six-fold, and the number of national minority institutions has grown eight-fold. As a result of these efforts, the country now has 106 national minority schools attended by 20,000 students, a significant jump from the mere 12 schools that existed in 2010.
Investment in Institutional Development
The government has also prioritized investment projects to cater to the needs of national minority communities. This includes the renovation of the Slovak Evangelical church and centre, support for the construction of the Bulgarian education and cultural centre, and most notably, the establishment of a German primary school in Biatorbágy near Budapest. These initiatives ensure that minority communities have access to educational and cultural institutions that celebrate their heritage.
Funding for National Minority Projects
To support these projects and initiatives, the Hungarian government has invited bids for funding totaling 1.3 billion forints (EUR 3.4m) for national minorities. Over 1,000 projects totaling 2 billion forints have already been carried out, emphasizing the government's commitment to enhancing the lives of national minority groups in Hungary.
In conclusion, the opening of a new German primary school near Budapest is a positive step in the Hungarian government's effort to support national minorities. By increasing funding, establishing institutions, and fostering strong connections with the motherlands of ethnic communities, the government is working towards ensuring the well-being and preservation of minority cultures within the country.
Questions & Answers
What does Hungary's Fundamental Law state about national minority groups? Hungary's Fundamental Law declares that the 13 indigenous national minority groups in the country are part of the Hungarian state and have self-governments.
What is the aim of the Hungarian government regarding ethnic communities? The government aims to have the closest possible ties with the motherlands of Hungary's ethnic communities and ensure that any disagreements do not have negative consequences for the minority groups.
What example did Zsolt Semjén highlight in terms of relations with motherlands? Zsolt Semjén highlighted the example of the current disputes between Hungary and Ukraine, stating that it could not put the Ukrainian community in Hungary at any kind of disadvantage.
How has government support for ethnic minorities in Hungary changed over the years? Government support for ethnic minorities in Hungary has increased six-fold, and the number of national minority institutions has risen eight-fold since 2010.
How many national minority schools are there in Hungary? In 2010, there were only 12 national minority schools in Hungary. However, today there are 106 national minority schools attended by 20,000 students.
How much funding did the government invite bids for national minorities this year? The government invited bids for a total of 1.3 billion forints (EUR 3.4m) in funding for national minorities this year.
What key investment projects has Zsolt Semjén mentioned in terms of national minority support? Zsolt Semjén mentioned the renovation of the Slovak Evangelical church and centre, support for the construction of the Bulgarian education and cultural centre, and the construction of a German primary school in Biatorbágy, on the outskirts of Budapest.
