Speaking at the inauguration of the town’s Reformed church, Orbán praised the community’s work in building the congregation. “We are proud that the Hungarian government had the chance to support the completion of this church.”

He said part of the reason why the government was able to assist the community in building the church was that in 2014, Hungarians of the Carpathian Basin had a chance to support “a cross-border nation policy that assumes responsibility for all Hungarian communities”.

“We Hungarians will only have a future and we will only be able to protect our community, our buildings and intellectual heritage if we unite … if we create the conditions for you to be able to make a living in your homeland,” he said.

Orbán reminded those in attendance that they, too, could vote in Hungary’s parliamentary elections and asked them for their support in next year’s election.

Prior to the ceremony, Reverend István Máté said that the church’s construction had cost 3.5 million lei (EUR 760,700) and was supported by a 160 million forint (EUR 513,000) grant from the Bethlen Gábor Fund Manager.

Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.

MTI photo: Koszticsák Szilárd