A recent incident in Slovakia has brought to light ongoing sensitivities surrounding the term “Felvidék” (Upper Region), which is the historical Hungarian word for the region. Unfortunately, it remains a highly charged and often taboo expression in Slovakia even though it is a mere geographic designation. The matter arose after a series of events tied to the term, which led local authorities to question the mayor of the Hungarian-majority town of Dunajská Streda / Dunaszerdahely, Mayor Dr. Zoltán Hájos, on February fifth. This development serves as a reminder of the complicated and at times contentious relationship between Slovakia’s largest ethnic minority and the broader Slovak political and social landscape.

In July 2023, Mayor Hájos organized a gallop in his town called the “Felvidéki Vágta” or  Upper Region Gallop, a purely cultural and sporting event with no political undertones.

Yet, the Slovak Intellectuals’ Association (SIA), filed a complaint against the mayor falsely accusing him of promoting an ideology that suppresses fundamental rights and fosters nationalistic hate by being involved in the event. The prominent Slovak organization argued that the use of the term “Felvidék” was a “revanchist” expression aimed at reasserting Hungarian territorial claims over areas in Slovakia that are historically tied to Hungarian culture and heritage.

The complaint triggered an investigation, leading to the mayor’s interrogation by the police. 

In his official statement posted on social media, Mayor Hájos expressed his disbelief at the turn of events, saying that “Whether it’s the Felvidéki Vágta or the Felvidéki Festival, neither event has any political connotation. These are sports and cultural events that celebrate heritage and bring people together,” he stated, pointing out that the event even included a Slovakian horse rider who qualified for Hungary’s National Gallop competition.

The mayor further questioned the motives of the SIA, suggesting that their official complaint could be part of a broader agenda to intimidate Slovakia’s Hungarian minority. “Is the goal to scare us? To drive us away from our homeland?” he asked, expressing concern that such actions could escalate tensions between Slovak and Hungarian communities in the country.

He asked further if the true intent by the unfounded complaint was to undermine the rights of Slovakia’s Hungarians, brand them with negative labels such as “racist,” “Nazi,” or “fascist.”

While the mayor remains steadfast in his position that such events are harmless celebrations of cultural heritage, the incident reflects a wider trend of growing sensitivity to anything that might be perceived as challenging the national narrative in Slovakia. As this case unfolds, it raises important questions about freedom of expression and the boundaries of acceptable discourse in a multicultural society.

For now, the question remains: Is the term “Felvidék” still a taboo in Slovakia, and what does this mean for the future of Hungarian-Slovak relations? Only time will tell.

Source: Maszol.ro

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