Now a Republic, Hungary Marks 1956 Uprising

Hungarians today for the first time officially marked their anti-Stalinist revolt that Soviet tanks crushed in 1956, with more than 100,000 people cheering for closer ties with the United States.

Over national television, acting President Matyas Szueroes proclaimed Hungary a republic in a symbolic rejection of communist dominance, and church bells pealed across the country.

“As of today, our nation’s . . . name is the Republic of Hungary,” said Szueroes, after Parliament last week voted to change the name from “People’s Republic.” Communists had renamed the country after assuming power in 1948.

Hoots and whistles greeted Szueroes’ call for cooperation with the Soviet Union. But the crowd cheered and clapped when he urged warmer ties with the United States.

“We continue to view the uninterrupted development of our ties to the Soviet Union as in our nation’s interests,” Szueroes said. “At the same time, we also seek to improve (contacts) with the other superpower, the United States of America.”

A reference to planned democratic elections next year also drew prolonged applause.

“The Republic of Hungary has become a state governed by law, where the values of . . . (Western) democracy and democratic socialism are equally valid,” Szueroes said.

Many people sported lapel pins showing the red, white and green Hungarian flag with a jagged hole in the middle, symbolizing the communist emblem cut out during the revolt. Others displayed buttons with the pre-communist coat of arms that was resurrected briefly in 1956.

It was one of the largest gatherings since Oct. 23, 1956, when an estimated 200,000 people marched on Parliament to press democratic demands.

On that day 33 years ago, mass student demonstrations calling for greater democracy, a multi-party system and the withdrawal of Soviet troops quickly escalated into armed clashes with Hungarian and Soviet troops. The revolt ended 12 days later, after Soviet tanks rumbled into the Hungarian capital and crushed all resistance.

Szueroes’ proclamation was a highlight of numerous officially organized events and of rallies staged by the political opposition to mark the anniversary. It was the latest step in Hungary’s rapid transition from 41 years of communist rule toward a multi-party democracy.