No State Funeral For Hungary’s Former President Göncz

  • 15 Oct 2015 9:00 AM
No State Funeral For Hungary’s Former President Göncz
There will be no state funeral for the former president Árpád Göncz, who, in an break with tradition, specified in his will that a simple memorial service be held. The former head of state will be laid to rest on November 6 in Óbuda cemetery alongside István Bibó, Miklós Vásárhelyi and György Litván, with whom he shared prison cells at various times in the years after 1956.

Also in accordance with his last will, another former cell mate, Imre Mécs, and Pannonhalma abbot Asztrik Várszegi, a family friend, will deliver eulogies.

There will be no eulogies on behalf of the government, nor will invitations be sent to state or foreign leaders. In addition, there is to be no official mourning by state institutions.

Göncz also requested that wreaths be laid only by members of the family, and that other guests bid farewell with one flower.

Zsuzsa Koncz will sing the song Ha én rózsa volnék (“If I Were a Rose”) a favourite of Göncz, accompanied by its composer, János Bródy.

The Parliamentary Office will cover the expenses of the funeral.

Source: Hungary Around the Clock

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MTI photo: Soós Lajos

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