Merkel Meets with University Students in Budapest

On February 2, German Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke to a group of over 100 students from six Hungarian universities including Central European University, Andrassy University, and Corvinus University. Her speech, which took place during her short visit to Budapest, highlighted key European policy issues including relations with Russia, energy policy, diversity in Europe, Hungary’s current political situation, Hungarian-German economic relations, terrorism, and the government debt crisis in Europe. She was also presented with an honorary PhD from the University of Szeged.

Merkel stressed the importance of democracy. She emphasized her belief in open societies in which citizens are partners with their governments and have the freedom to express diverse opinions. This form of social engagement, Merkel argued, has been the foundation and strength of Europe’s success. She pointed to an active civil society and a free media as examples of areas where citizen participation is particularly important.

Merkel noted that there have been many instances in Hungarian history when there has been a struggle for freedom. Quoting Hungarian poet Sandor Petofi, Merkel said, “Slaves we shall no longer be.”

Merkel answered a wide range of questions on topics such as her personal path in politics, women in politics, civil society in Hungary, migration, and Gazprom’s role in energy.

Friedericke von Coelln (MPA ’15), who attended the speech at Andrassy University, noted, “Merkel’s speech, which touched on many current political issues in Europe, somewhat surprised me. I did not expect her to be so open on some of these topics. It was also a good learning experience to see how issues that we analyze in the classroom are discussed by politicians and policymakers at the national and regional levels.”