We often become very divided along fault lines, but we have to accept the other person even if we don't agree with what he thinks about the world, the President of the Republic emphasized in his exclusive interview on the occasion of Christmas.
President Katalin Novák also spoke about his predecessors as head of state, the possibility of peace, world politics, traveling the country, family, baking and cooking and of course the Christmas holiday in an exclusive festive interview with HírTV. In fact, it turned out that the head of state does not hesitate even when he needs a knitting needle would take
Katalin Novák pointed out that on the day of Christmas Eve, we may not even feel so much the fear and the concern that comes with the threatening proximity of war. The head of state expressed it as if the sense of threat and fear had been embedded under our skin.
When the Transcarpathian Hungarians have to fear that they can knock at any time to take the men to the front, or the separated families are worried about their family members at the front, or those in Hungary about their Transcarpathians, then we really feel how great a treasure the peace, which is a given for us here in Hungary, but which is extremely fragile and can be endangered at any time, and is in imminent danger even now, he added.
Katalin Novák emphasized that since Hungary is a peace-loving and freedom-loving nation, she trusts that if the word crying for peace reaches as many people as possible, it will have a greater impact.
"We often become very divided along fault lines, but we have to accept the other person even if we don't agree with what he thinks about the world," the head of state pointed out, then added: if we are able to respect the other person, it is easier to argue about them about the things we don't agree on, all with the intention of finding a compromise and understanding the aspects behind the other's opinion - Katalin Novák explained.
According to him, the Hungarian communities across the border are closer together, especially in such a difficult situation, in which the Transcarpathian Hungarians are.
He said he doesn't sense any division there now. He trusts that "some kind of reconciliation" will develop between Hungarians and Ukrainians in Transcarpathia, as this is the key to their long-term peaceful coexistence.
Katalin Novák sees that being the first female President of the Republic of Hungary is a responsibility and can be an inspiration to other women, she gives encouragement based on the feedback, it indicates to many that nothing is out of reach for a woman in Hungary today. He is confident that his openness to the world will help as many people as possible in Hungary feel the same way about their president.
The head of state also spoke about the importance of the example of his predecessors, and that from now on the portraits of five of his predecessors will decorate the Sándor Palace. When asked, she talked about how she loves to bake, and she also told the story of the "papal stangli", which she made "on behalf of the Hungarians, as a housewife" for the visiting Pope Francis.
He noted that their kitchen is the place where all members of the family gather, and even teenage children share their thoughts more easily.
This year saw the release of "...What's ours 2." - The volume about the family, Fifty, in which each article begins with a personal recommendation from the President of the Republic. Regarding the book, Katalin Novák considered it important to note in the holiday interview that the family is the environment from which we leave every morning and arrive home in the evening, or the absence of the family is the void that is there every day (…) the presence and absence of something at the same time, it is always there even if the pain is not burning or the joy is not bursting forth (…) the family, its beauties and joys and difficulties and tragedies are things that we do not necessarily talk about enough and do not necessarily talk about honestly, even when if they are so important to us.
According to the head of state's statement, he intended the volume to be a book gathering strength, since in it, in addition to well-known people, little-known people also shared their thoughts, memories and experiences related to the family, and if the readers recognize themselves in their stories, then - Katalin Novák added - it gives strength.
In connection with the holiday, the President of the Republic said that he really likes gifts that he makes himself, his nephews once asked him to knit them a sweater, which he happily did of course.
According to Katalin Novák, Christmas is the most important family holiday, in which the main question is whether one can get a little carried away, rather than living the holiday as a task.
We must allow the feeling that comes with love and the miracle of birth to creep into our hearts (…) We celebrate the birth of Christ at this time, it is a message of joy, he pointed out.
On the occasion of Christmas, Katalin Novák sent a message to all Hungarian people and wished that this Christmas be as happy as possible and regardless of the possibilities, let it be as happy as possible for everyone!
Cover image: Katalin Novák speaks to HírTV
Source: HírTV/screenshot
