Referring to the constitution, Gulyás said in his address that ethnic communities in Hungary are “parts of our ancient political community and components of the Hungarian state”.

Hungary has had a German community since the foundation of the state in the 11th century, and King Stephen I married a Bavarian princess, he noted. Germans living in Hungary have “always been faithful citizens of the country,” Rétvári added.

The German community is the second largest ethnic minority of Hungary, Gulyás said, adding that the Hungarian government is firmly against assimilation and considers the culture of ethnic minorities a valuable asset.

The day of German communities in Hungary has been observed for the 21st time this year. The day marks the anniversary of the foundation of ethnic minority self governments in Hungary.

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