Hungary Declares Independence
Hungary's declaration of independence, effective October 23, 1989, marked a significant shift in the country's political landscape and a pivotal moment in the decline of Soviet influence in Eastern Europe. Following decades of totalitarian communist rule imposed after World War II, the Hungarian populace experienced a renewed spirit of freedom, encouraged by Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev's policies of liberalization. This movement culminated in the establishment of a democratic Republic of Hungary, which replaced the previous regime with a constitution that emphasized independence, sovereignty, and the rule of law.
The new constitution laid the groundwork for a multiparty democracy and a market economy, reflecting the aspirations of the Hungarian people for self-determination and governance free from coercive power. It ensured that all political power resided with the people, who could express their will through elected representatives. Furthermore, the constitution committed Hungary to uphold human rights, promote cooperation with other nations, and respect international law.
This transitional moment not only symbolized a victory for Hungary but also represented broader geopolitical shifts, indicating the waning power of Soviet hegemony in the region and the triumph of democratic ideals. The events in Hungary resonate with the historical struggles for independence and democracy, highlighting the importance of civic engagement and constitutional governance.
Hungary Declares Independence
Hungary Declares Independence
The cold war between the United States and the former Soviet Union that began shortly after the end of World War II started to wind down in the late 1980s. Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev was not willing to continue the decades-old conflict, which had taxed the economic and military resources of the Soviet Union to the breaking point. Furthermore, the peoples of the Soviet Union and its client states in Eastern Europe were growing increasingly restless under the totalitarian communist regimes that governed them.
Most of Eastern Europe had been occupied by Soviet forces after their victory over the Nazis in World War II. The Soviets set up puppet regimes with Soviet-loyal communist governments. In 1956 the people of one such country, namely Hungary, tried to free themselves and establish an independent government. The Soviets ruthlessly crushed this uprising by sending tanks and troops into the Hungarian capital of Budapest. Although people in the United States and the rest of the free world were outraged, their fears of starting a nuclear war prevented them from intervening. In the 1980s, however, the Hungarians were more successful. Permitted by Gorbachev to liberalize their political and economic systems, they introduced free-market capitalism and privately owned property. Finally, effective October 23, 1989, the Hungarians replaced the old communist regime with a democratic Republic of Hungary. The revised constitution was in effect Hungary's declaration of independence from the old Soviet Bloc and went unopposed by Gorbachev. It was also a cold war victory for the United States and the West in addition to being a symbolic vindication of the Hungarian struggle of 1956.
The preamble and relevant prefatory provisions of the new Hungarian constitution of 1989 are set forth below:
The Constitution of the Republic of Hungary
In order to facilitate peaceful political transition into a constitutional state ready to realize a multiparty system, introduce parliamentary democracy, and promote conversion to a socially alert market economy, Parliament submits the following text as the authorized version, until the ratification of its replacement, of the Constitution of Hungary.
Chapter I
General Provisions
Article 1
Hungary is a Republic.
Article 2
Article 3
Article 4
The trade unions and other interest organizations protect and represent the interests of employees, cooperative members, and of entrepreneurs.
Article 5
The State of the Republic of Hungary safeguards the freedom and power of the people, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, and the boundaries registered in international treaties.
Article 6
Article 7
Article 8
[Sections (3) and (4) omitted]
Article 9
Article 10
[Rest of document omitted for size reasons]