Outrage Over Planned Public Toilet Near Hungarian Poet’s Statue in Ukraine

In Transcarpathia, Ukraine, the desecration of Hungarian monuments has become a recurring issue, with several key monuments being vandalized over the years writes Magyar Nemzet.

Recently, a new controversy has emerged over the construction of a public toilet near the Petőfi statue in Uzhhorod (Ungvár). This situation has sparked strong opposition from local Hungarian organizations. Monuments in the region, such as a Hungarian historic monument and painter Mihály Munkácsy’s statue, have been repeatedly targeted, and the Petőfi statue in Uzhhorod has suffered vandalism, including having its sword sawed off.

This ongoing desecration of Hungarian landmarks in Transcarpathia has caused deep concern within the local Hungarian community.

Petőfi Square in Uzhhorod, where the statue of Hungarian poet Sándor Petőfi stands, holds significant cultural and historical value. The square, named after the poet, has been a site for numerous important cultural events. The recent decision to build a public toilet near the statue has raised eyebrows, with critics arguing that it undermines the aesthetic and cultural value of the area.

László Brenzovics, President of the KMKSZ (Hungarian Cultural Association of Transcarpathia), has sent a letter to Uzhhorod’s Mayor Bohdan Andriyiv, urging him to stop the construction.

Mr. Brenzovics emphasized that the location of the toilet does not align with the importance of the monument or the surrounding square.

In addition, the Hungarian Democratic Union of Ukraine has filed a petition to revoke the building permit and initiate a public hearing for a more suitable location.

The Petőfi statue, erected in 1990, was inaugurated by Hungarian President Árpád Göncz and Ukrainian leaders, marking its historical importance. Local organizations are now hoping that common sense will prevail in finding a more appropriate solution.

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