- Tweeter
republish
In Hungary, the reforms began long before 1989. Nicknamed "the gayest boat in the socialist camp", the country opened up to tourism. From the beginning of the 1980s, Hungarians were able to set up private businesses and travel west. Dissenting movements have grown. Everything accelerated in 1988. Back to this time. Reportage.
With our correspondent in Budapest, Florence La Bruyère
A retired civil servant, Vivian remembers with emotion on 15 March 1989. On this day, for the first time, Hungarians freely celebrate their national holiday.
" It was fantastic. The whole city was in the street, there was a mood full of hope. We could finally parade, we felt free. "
Censorship has disappeared and in universities Hungarians are free to debate democracy and human rights, recalls Julia Vasarhelyi. " It was a very happy atmosphere, a period of euphoria and joy. "
Encouraged by the arrival of Gorbachev, the young reformists take control of the Hungarian Communist Party. To forgive the past, they allow the creation of opposition parties and prepare free elections.
" There was no revenge against the communists, it was a completely peaceful transition ," adds Julia Vasarhelyi.
► Also to read: Since the summer of 1989, East Germans have moved west
A Hungarian rock band releases a hit called " Wind of Change" , " The Wind of Change". During the summer, Hungary opens the Iron Curtain . The Berlin Wall will fall two months later.
► All our contents about the fall of the Berlin Wall