April Fool's Day Worldwide - A p r 0 1
April Fools' Day is celebrated around the world on April 1 every year. Sometimes referred to as All Fools' Day, April 1 is not a national holiday, but is widely recognized and celebrated as a day when many people play all kinds of jokes and foolishness. The day is marked by the commission of good-humoured or otherwise funny jokes, hoaxes, and other practical jokes of varying sophistication on friends, family members, teachers, neighbors, work associates, etc. Traditionally, in some countries such as Canada, New Zealand, the UK, Australia, Cyprus, and South Africa, the jokes only last until noon, and someone who plays a trick after noon is called an "April Fool" and taunted "April Fool's Day's past and gone, You're the fool for making one."Elsewhere, such as in France, Italy, South Korea, Japan, Russia, The Netherlands, Germany, Brazil, Ireland, and the U.S., the jokes last all day. In France and Italy children (and adults, when appropriate) traditionally tack paper fish on each other's back as a trick and shout "april fish!" in their local language ("poisson d'avril!" and "pesce d'aprile!" in French and Italian respectively). The earliest recorded association between April 1 and foolishness can be found in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (1392). Many writers suggest that the restoration of January 1 as New Year's Day in the 16th century was responsible for the creation of the holiday, but this theory does not explain earlier references.
Origins
Precursors of April Fools' Day include the Roman festival of Hilaria, held March 25, and the Medieval Festival of Fools, held December 28, still a day on which pranks are played in Spanish-speaking countries. In Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (1392), the "Nun's Priest's Tale" is set Syn March bigan thritty dayes and two. Modern scholars believe that there is a copying error in the extant manuscripts and that Chaucer actually wrote, Syn March was gon. Thus the passage originally meant 32 days after April, i.e. May 2, the anniversary of the engagement of King Richard II of England to Anne of Bohemia, which took place in 1381. Readers apparently misunderstood this line to mean "March 32", i.e. April 1. In Chaucer's tale, the vain cock Chauntecleer is tricked by a fox. In 1508 French poet Eloy d'Amerval referred to a poisson d’avril (April fool, literally "April fish"), a possible reference to the holiday. In 1539, Flemish poet Eduard de Dene wrote of a nobleman who sent his servants on foolish errands on April 1. In 1686, John Aubrey referred to the holiday as "Fooles holy day", the first British reference. On April 1, 1698, several people were tricked into going to the Tower of London to "see the Lions washed". In the Middle Ages, New Year's Day was celebrated on March 25 in most European towns. In some areas of France, New Year's was a week-long holiday ending on April 1. Many writers suggest that April Fools originated because those who celebrated on January 1 made fun of those who celebrated on other dates. The use of January 1 as New Year's Day was common in France by the mid-16th century, and this date was adopted officially in 1564 by the Edict of Roussillon.
Other prank days in the world
Iranians play jokes on each other on the 13th day of the Persian new year (Norouz), which falls on April 1 or April 2. This day, celebrated as far back as 536 BC, is called Sizdah Bedar and is the oldest prank-tradition in the world still alive today; this fact has led many to believe that April Fools' Day has its origins in this tradition. The April 1 tradition in France, Romandy and French-speaking Canada includes poisson d'avril (literally "April's fish"), attempting to attach a paper fish to the victim's back without being noticed. This is also widespread in other nations, such as Italy, where the term Pesce d'aprile(literally "April's fish") is also used to refer to any jokes done during the day. In Spanish-speaking countries, similar pranks are practiced on December 28, día de los Santos Inocentes, the "Day of the Holy Innocents". This custom also exists in certain areas of Belgium, including the province of Antwerp. The Flemish tradition is for children to lock out their parents or teachers, only letting them in if they promise to bring treats the same evening or the next day. Under the Joseon dynasty of Korea, the royal family and courtiers were allowed to lie and fool each other, regardless of their hierarchy, on the first snowy day of the year. They would stuff snow inside bowls and send it to the victim of the prank with fake excuses. The recipient of the snow was thought to be a loser in the game and had to grant a wish of the sender. Because pranks were not deliberately planned, they were harmless and were often done as benevolence towards royal servants. In Poland, prima aprilis ("April 1" in Latin) is a day full of jokes; various hoaxes are prepared by people, media (which sometimes cooperate to make the "information" more credible) and even public institutions. Serious activities are usually avoided. This conviction is so strong that the anti-Turkish alliance with Leopold I signed on April 1, 1683, was backdated to March 31. In Scotland, April Fools' Day is traditionally called Hunt-the-Gowk Day ("gowk" is Scots for a cuckoo or a foolish person), although this name has fallen into disuse. The traditional prank is to ask someone to deliver a sealed message requesting help of some sort. In fact, the message reads "Dinna laugh, dinna smile. Hunt the gowk another mile". The recipient, upon reading it, will explain he can only help if he first contacts another person, and sends the victim to this person with an identical message, with the same result. In Denmark, May 1 is known as "Maj-kat", meaning "May-cat", and is also a joking day. May 1'st is also celebrated in Sweden as an alternative joking day. When someone has been fooled in Sweden, to disclose that it was a joke, the fooler says the rhyme "April April din dumma sill, jag kan lura dig vart jag vill" (April, April, you stupid herring, I can fool you to wherever I want") for April 1st jokes, or "Maj maj måne, jag kan lura dig till Skåne" (May May moon, I can fool you into Scania) for May 1st jokes. Both Danes and Swedes also celebrate April Fools' Day ("aprilsnar" in Danish). Pranks on May 1, are much less frequent. Most Swedish news media outlets will publish exactly one false story on April 1, for newspapers this will typically be a first-page article but not the top headline. In Spain and Ibero-America, an equivalent date is December 28, Christian day of celebration of the Massacre of the Innocents. The Christian celebration is a holiday in its own right, a religious one, but the tradition of pranks is not, though the latter is observed yearly. After somebody plays a joke or a prank on somebody else, the joker usually cries out, in some regions of Ibero-America: "Inocente palomita que te dejaste engañar" ("You innocent little dove that let yourself be fooled"). In Spain, it is common to say just "Inocente!" ("Innocent!"). Nevertheless, in the Spanish island of Menorca, "Dia d'enganyar" ("Fooling day") is celebrated on April 1 because Menorca was a British possession during part of the 18th century.
International Children's Book Day Worldwide - A p r 0 2
International Children's Book Day is a yearly event sponsored by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), an international non-profit organization. Founded in 1967, the day is observed on or around Hans Christian Andersen's birthday, April 2. Activities include writing competitions, announcements of book awards and events with authors of children's literature.
History
International Children's Book Day is an annual event, which is held on around April 2, the birth date of Hans Christian Andersen. It is sponsored by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY). According to the IBBY Web site, "International Children's Book Day (ICBD) is celebrated to inspire a love of reading and to call attention to children's books." Each year, one of the 70 National Sections of the IBBY around the world serves as the international sponsor of ICBD. It selects the theme and oversees the development of promotional materials for ICBD. The materials are then used to promote reading and children's books. Often, schools and libraries hold events in conjunction with International Children's Book Day. The 2011 international sponsor is Estonia and the theme is "The Book Remembers." You can see the stunning 2011 International Children's Book Day poster here. The theme of the 2010 International Children's Book Day, which was sponsored by Spain, was "A book is waiting for you, find it!" The 2009 international sponsor was EBBY, The Egyptian Section of IBBY, and the 2009 theme was "I am the World." See the 2009 poster above. The theme of the 2008 International Children's Book Day, which was sponsored by the Thailand IBBY National Section, was "Books Enlighten: Knowledge Delights." There are wonderful children's books being published around the world. ICBD is a good time to make a point of sharing books originally published in other countries with your children.
Qingming Festival CHINA, TAIWAN - A p r 0 5
The Qingming Festival (simplified Chinese: 清 明 节 ; traditional Chinese: 清明節; pinyin:Qīngmíng Jié; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Chheng-bêng-cheh or Chhiⁿ-miâ-choeh, Ching Ming Festival in Hong Kong, Vietnamese: Tết Thanh Minh), Pure Brightness Festival or Clear Bright Festival, Ancestors Day or Tomb Sweeping Day is a traditional Chinese festival on the 104th day after the winter solstice (or the 15th day from the Spring Equinox), usually occurring around April 5 of the Gregorian calendar. Astronomically it is also a solar term. The Qingming festival falls on the first day of the fifth solar term, named Qingming. Its name denotes a time for people to go outside and enjoy the greenery of springtime (踏 青 Tàqīng, "treading on the greenery") and tend to the graves of departed ones. Qingming has been regularly observed as a statutory public holiday in Taiwan and in the Chinese jurisdictions of Hong Kong and Macau. Its observance was reinstated as a nation wide public holiday in mainland China in 2008, after having been previously suppressed by the ruling Communist Party in 1949. The transcription of the term Qingming may appear in a number of different forms, some of which are Qingming, Qing Ming, Qing Ming Jie, Ching Ming (official in Hong Kong) and Ching Ming Chieh.
Introduction
The holiday is known by a number of names in the English language: All Souls Day (not to be confused with the Roman Catholic holiday, All Souls Day, of the same name) • Clear Bright Festival • Ancestors Day • Festival for Tending Graves • Grave Sweeping Day • Chinese Memorial Day • Tomb Sweeping Day • Spring Remembrance • Tomb Sweeping Day and Clear Bright Festival are the most common English translations of Qingming Festival. Tomb Sweeping Day is used in several English language newspapers published in Taiwan.
Origin
Qingming Festival is when Chinese people visit the graves or burial grounds of their ancestors. Traditionally, people brought a whole rooster with them to the graves visited but the occasion has become less formal over time. The festival originated from Hanshi Day (寒食节, literally, Day with cold food only), a memorial day for Jie Zitui (介子推). Jie Zitui died in 636 BC in the Spring and Autumn Period. He was one of many followers of Duke Wen of Jin before he became a duke. Once, during Wen's 19 years of exile, they had no food and Jie prepared some meat soup for Wen. Wen enjoyed it a lot and wondered where Jie had obtained the soup. It turned out Jie had cut a piece of meat from his own thigh to make the soup. Wen was so moved he promised to reward him one day. However, Jie was not the type of person who sought rewards. Instead, he just wanted to help Wen to return to Jin to become king. Once Wen became duke, Jie resigned and stayed away from him. Duke Wen rewarded the people who helped him in the decades, but for some reason he forgot to reward Jie, who by then had moved into the forest with his mother. Duke Wen went to the forest, but could not find Jie. Heeding suggestions from his officials, Duke Wen ordered men to set the forest on fire to force out Jie. However, Jie died in the fire. Feeling remorseful, Duke Wen ordered three days without fire to honour Jie's memory. The county where Jie died is still called Jiexiu (介休, literally "the place Jie rests forever"). Qingming has a tradition stretching back more than 2,500 years. Its origin is credited to the Tang Emperor Xuanzong in 732. Wealthy citizens in China were reportedly holding too many extravagant and ostentatiously expensive ceremonies in honour of their ancestors. Emperor Xuanzong, seeking to curb this practice, declared that respects could be formally paid at ancestors' graves only on Qingming. The observance of Qingming found a firm place in Chinese culture and continued since Ancient China.
Celebration
The Qingming Festival is an opportunity for celebrants to remember and honour their ancestors at grave sites. Young and old pray before the ancestors, sweep the tombs and offer food, tea, wine, chopsticks, joss paper accessories, and/or libations to the ancestors. The rites have a long tradition in Asia, especially among farmers. Some people carry willow branches with them on Qingming, or put willow branches on their gates and/or front doors. They believe that willow branches help ward off the evil spirit that wanders on Qingming. On Qingming people go on family outings, start the spring plowing, sing, and dance. Qingming is also the time when young couples start courting. Another popular thing to do is to fly kites in the shapes of animals or characters from Chinese opera. Another common practice is to carry flowers instead of burning paper, incense or firecrackers. The holiday is often marked by people paying respects to those who died in events considered sensitive in China. The April Fifth Movement and the Tiananmen Incident were major events on Qingming that took place in the history of the People's Republic of China. When Premier Zhou Enlai died in 1976, thousands visited him during the festival to pay their respects. Many also pay respects to victims of the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989 and the graves of Zhao Ziyang and Yang Jia in areas where the right of free expression is generally recognized, as in Hong Kong. In most areas of China observance of sensitive events are suppressed and all public mention of such events is taboo. In Taiwan this national holiday is observed on April 5 because the ruling Kuomintang moved it to that date in commemoration of the death of Chiang Kai-shek on April 5. Despite having no holiday status, the overseas Chinese communities in Southeast Asian nations, such as those in Singapore and Malaysia, take this festival seriously and observe its traditions faithfully. Some Qingming rituals and ancestral veneration decorum observed by the oversea Chinese in Malaysia and Singapore can be dated back to Ming and Qing dynasties, as the oversea communities were not affected by the Cultural Revolution in Mainland China. Qingming in Malaysia is an elaborate family function or a clan feast (usually organized by the respective clan association) to commemorate and honour recently deceased relatives at their grave sites and distant ancestors from China at home altars, clan temples or makeshift altars in Buddhist or Taoist temples. For the oversea Chinese community, the Qingming festival is very much a family celebration and, at the same time, a family obligation. They see this festival as a time of reflection and to honour and give thanks to their forefathers. Overseas Chinese normally visit the graves of their recently deceased relatives on the nearest weekend to the actual date. According to the ancient custom, grave site veneration is only feasible ten days before and after the Qingming Festival. If the visit is not on the actual date, normally veneration before Qingming is encouraged. The Qingming Festival in Malaysia and Singapore normally starts early in the morning by paying respect to distant ancestors from China at home altars. This is followed by visiting the graves of close relatives in the country. Some follow the concept of filial piety to the extent of visiting the graves of their ancestors in mainland China. Traditionally, the family will burn spirit money and paper replicas of material goods such as cars, homes, phones and paper servants. In Chinese culture, it is believed that people still need all of those things in the afterlife. Then family members start take turns to kowtow three to nine times (depending on the family adherence to traditional values) before the tomb of the ancestors. The Kowtowing ritual in front of the grave is performed in the order of patriarchal seniority within the family. After the ancestor worship at the grave site, the whole family or the whole clan feast on the food and drink they brought for the worship either at the site or in nearby gardens in the memorial park, signifying family reunion with the ancestors. Hanshi, the day before Qingming, was created by Chong'er, the Duke Wen of the state of Jin during the Spring and Autumn period. The festival was established after Chong'er accidentally burned to death his friend and servant Jie Zhitui (介之推) (or Jie Zitui) and Jie Zitui's mother. Chong'er ordered the hills in which they were hiding set on fire in the hope that Jie Zitui would return to his service, but the fire killed Jie and his mother. Because of this, people were not allowed to use fires to heat up food and the date became named Hanshi. Eventually, 300 years ago, the Hanshi "celebration" was combined with the Qingming festival and later abandoned by most people.
In Chinese tea culture The Qingming festival holiday has a significance in the Chinese tea culture since this specific day divides the fresh
green teas by their picking dates. Green teas made from leaves picked before this date are given the prestigious 'pre-qingming' (清明前) designation which commands a much higher price tag. These teas are prized for having much lighter and subtler aromas than those picked after the festival.
Memorial Day of Chiang Kai-shek TAIWAN - A p r 0 5
Chiang Kai-shek (October 31, 1887 – April 5, 1975) was a political and military leader of 20th century China. He is known as Jiǎng Jièshí (蔣介石) or Jiǎng Zhōngzhèng (蔣中正) in Mandarin. Chiang was an influential member of the Nationalist Party, the Kuomintang (KMT), and was a close ally of Sun Yat-sen. He became the Commandant of the Kuomintang's Whampoa Military Academy, and took Sun's place as leader of the KMT when Sun died in 1925. In 1926, Chiang led the Northern Expedition to unify the country, becoming China's nominal leader. He served as Chairman of the National Military Council of the Nationalist government of the Republic of China (ROC) from 1928 to 1948. Chiang led China in the Second SinoJapanese War, during which the Nationalist government's power severely weakened, but his prominence grew. Unlike Sun Yat-sen, Chiang Kai-shek was socially conservative, promoting traditional Chinese culture in the New Life Movement and rejecting western democracy and the nationalist democratic socialism that Sun Yat-sen and some other members of the KMT embraced in favor of a nationalist authoritarian government. Chiang's predecessor, Sun Yatsen, was well-liked and respected by the Communists, but after Sun's death Chiang was not able to maintain good relations with the Communists. A major splitbetween the Nationalists and Communists occurred in 1927; and, under Chiang's leadership, the Nationalists fought a nation-wide civil war against the Communist Party of China (CPC). After Japan invaded China in 1937, Chiang agreed to a temporary truce with the CPC. Despite some early cooperative military successes against Japan, by the time that the Japanese surrendered in 1945 neither the CPC nor the KMT trusted each other or were actively cooperating. After American-sponsored attempts to negotiate a coalition government failed in 1946, the Chinese Civil War resumed. The CPC defeated the Nationalists in 1949, forcing Chiang's government to retreat to Taiwan. After evacuating to Taiwan, Chiang's government continued to declare its intention to retake mainland China. Chiang ruled the island securely as the self-appointed President of the Republic of China and Director-General of the Kuomintang until his death in 1975.
Death In 1975, 26 years after Chiang came to Taiwan, he died in Taipei at the age of 87. He had suffered a major heart at-
tack and pneumonia in the months before and died from renal failure aggravated with advanced cardiac malfunction at 23:50 on April 5. A month of mourning was declared. Chinese music composer Hwang Yau-tai wrote the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Song. In mainland China, however, Chiang's death was met with little apparent mourning and Communist state-run newspapers gave the brief headline "Chiang Kai-shek Has Died." Chiang's body was put in a copper coffin and temporarily interred at his favorite residence in Cihu, Dasi, Taoyuan. When his son Chiang Ching-kuo died in 1988, he was entombed in a separate mausoleum in nearby Touliao (頭寮). The hope was to have both buried at their birthplace in Fenghua if and when it was possible. In 2004,Chiang Fang-liang, the widow of Chiang Ching-kuo, asked that both father and son be buried at Wuzhi Mountain Military Cemetery in Xizhi, Taipei County (now New Taipei City). Chiang's ultimate funeral ceremony became a political battle between the wishes of the state and the wishes of his family. Chiang was succeeded as President by Vice President Yen Chia-kan and as Kuomintang party leader by his son Chiang Ching-kuo, who retired Chiang Kai-shek's title of Director-General and instead assumed the position of Chairman. Yen's presidency was interim; Chiang Ching-kuo, who was the Premier, became President after Yen's term ended three years later.
Toussaint L'Ouverture Day HAITI - Apr 07
François-Dominique Toussaint Louverture also Toussaint Bréda, Toussaint-Louverture (c. 1743 – April 7, 1803) was the leader of the Haitian Revolution. His military genius and political acumen led to the establishment of the independent black state of Haiti, transforming an entire society of slaves into a free, self-governing people. The success of the Haitian Revolution shook the institution of slavery throughout the New World. Toussaint Louverture began his military career as a leader of the 1791 slave rebellion in the French colony of Saint Domingue. Initially allied with the Spaniards of neighboring Santo Domingo, Toussaint switched allegiance to the French when they abolished slavery. He gradually established control over the whole island, expelled British invaders and used political and military tactics to gain dominance over his rivals. Throughout his years in power, he worked to improve the economy and security of Saint Domingue. He restored the plantation system using free labour, negotiated trade treaties with Britain and the United States and maintained a large and well-disciplined army. In 1801 he promulgated an autonomist constitution for the colony, with himself as governor for life. In 1802 he was forced to resign by forces sent by Napoleon Bonaparte to restore French authority in the colony. He was deported to France, where he died in 1803. The Haitian Revolution continued under his lieutenant, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, who declared independence in 1804.
Memorials On August 29, 1954, the Haitian ambassador to France,
Léon Thébaud, inaugurated a stone cross memorial for Toussaint Louverture at the foot of the fort. Years afterward, the French government ceremoniously presented a shovelful of soil from the grounds of Fort-de-Joux to the Haitian government as a symbolic transfer of Toussaint Louverture's remains. A plaque in his memory can be found in the Panthéon in Paris, inscribed with the following description: Combattant de la liberté, artisan de l'abolition de l'esclavage, héros haïtien mort déporté au Fort-de-Joux en 1803. (Combatant for liberty, artisan of the abolition of slavery, Haitian hero died in deportation at Fort-de-Joux in 1803.)
Drop of Water is a Grain of Gold Day TURKMENISTAN - Apr 06
President Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedov congratulated workers of the water economy of Turkmenistan on the national holiday "A drop of water is a grain of gold" celebrated annually on the first Sunday of April. As the Ashgabat correspondent of Turkmenistan.ru reports, the message by the head of state was published in central mass media outlets yesterday. "The Turkmen people treat water as the priceless gift of nature, as the sacred wealth without which life would be impossible, the address says. That is why Turkmenistan will continue seeing the development of water economy as one of the most important areas of state policy which will be in the focus of out attention." Water reservoirs named after the 15th anniversary of independence, Hauzhan, Kopetdag, Saryniyaz water reservoirs, "Dostluk" water reservoir built on the border with the Islamic Republic of Iran, dozens of other existing or under-construction hydro-facilities are a striking example of state care of water economy, Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedov said. Speaking about the Turkmen lake which is currently being built in the Karakum desert, Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedov emphasized the importance of this facility for the country's development. "This facility will provide our descendants with plenty of water. It will quench the Turkmen soil's thirst and enhance its fertility, the message says. Large-scale work is under way to provide population with clean drinking water. Water purification facilities have been built in the capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat as well as in Ahal, Balkan, Mary, Lebap and Dashoguz provinces. We will keep paying particular attention to quality of drinking water. Water purification facilities built in every city and village will serve people." The Turkmen leader urged to take care and protect water springs, "consume water with care all along its stream - from river head to fields." "I am sure that all of you, having united and having become a single whole, will aim your concerted efforts, patriotic spirit, forces and abilities at resolving the main task - the fulfillment of your stated commitments - and will stand up to this task with honor," the message says.
Tartan Day International - Apr 06
HUNGARY
Tartan Day is a celebration Scottish of heritage on April 6, the date on which the Declaration of Arbroath was in signed 1320. A oneoff event was held in New York City in 1982, but the current fororigimat in nated in Canada mid the It 1980s. to spread other communities of the Scottish diaspora in the In 1990s. Australasia the similar International Tartan Day is held on July 1, the anniversary of the repeal of the 1747 Act of Proscription that banned the wearing of tartan. Tartan Days typically have parades of pipe bands, Highland dancing and other Scottish-themed events.
Origins In 1982, under the auspices of the New York Caledonian Club, New York State Governor Hugh Carey, and New
York City Mayor Ed Koch declared July 1, 1982, as Tartan Day, a one-time celebration of the 200th anniversary of the repeal of the Act of Proscription of August 12, 1747, the law forbidding Scots to wear tartan. On March 9, 1986, a 'Tartan Day' to promote Scottish heritage in Canada, was proposed at a meeting of the Federation of Scottish Clans in Nova Scotia. Jean Watson, President of Clan Lamont, petitioned provincial legislatures to recognize April 6 as Tartan Day. The first such proclamation was by Nova Scotia in April 1987; other provinces followed suit until Quebec was the last to fall in line, in December 2003. In Australia, wearing tartan on July 1 has been encouraged since 1989. The day has been promoted as International Tartan Day in Australia since 1996 and has been formally recognized by many states, but not at national level. The United States Senate recognized April 6 as Tartan Day in 1998.
Canada Canada estimates 15.1% or 4.7 million Canadians claim Scottish descent. As stated above, Tartan Day in Canada
originated with a proposal from the Federation of Scottish Clans in Nova Scotia and has since been proclaimed by all the provincial legislatures. In 2007 Peter Stoffer introduced a Private member's bill for "An Act respecting a Tartan Day". Progress of the bill was interrupted by the 2008 election, but it has been resubmitted. An annual 'Gathering of the Clans' will take place each April 6 or on the Sunday nearest to it on Parliament Hill in Ottawa at noon with pipes, drums, and dancing hosted by the Sons of Scotland Pipe Band, Canada's oldest civilian pipe band. The celebrations in 2011 will also mark the first time that Tartan Day has been celebrated with Canada's official tartan having been named- the Maple Leaf.
and New Zealand Australia Three million Australians are either Scottish or of Scottish descent. International Tartan Day in Australia and New
Zealand is celebrated on a local basis in most states on July 1 (or by some community organizations on the nearest Sunday), the anniversary of the Repeal Proclamation of 1782 annulling the Act of Proscription of 1747, which had made wearing tartan an offense punishable with up to seven years' transportation. According to Scottish House secretary Moyna Scotland, the tendency to disguise Scottish associations was mirrored in Australia: 'Scots did what they were told to do when they came to Australia assimilate and integrate and they almost disappeared', and consequently one aim of Tartan Day is to help Australians reconnect with their Scottish ancestry. A tartan revival started in 1822, and Queensland and Australia have their own tartans. In 1989 the Scottish Australian Heritage Council began to encourage Australians to wear tartan on July 1, when more than half a million Australians gather for a celebration of Scottish heritage, combining nostalgia with Australian citizenship ceremonies, and fund-raising for charitable causes such as drought assistance. Australians without a family tartan are invited to wear the Royal Stewart tartan or the military tartan of the Black Watch. Tartan articles worn on the day include hats, ties and socks. There are many pipe band associations in both Australia and New Zealand, some originating in disbanded Second World War army battalions, and almost 30 heritage events in Australia alone. Some clans, notably the McLeods of South Australia, come together in private events to honor their chief, recite Burns, consume haggis and take part in Highland dancing. A butcher in Maclean, New South Wales, 'the Scottish town in Australia', reportedly celebrates the day by selling haggis burgers. Since 2001 the Scottish Australian Heritage Council and Australian branch of the Scottish National Party have petitioned Canberra for federal recognition of International Tartan Day to celebrate the Scottish contribution to Australian history, including the influence of Scottish radicalism on the trade union movement and the Labor Party, and Australia's allegedly 'egalitarian and meritocratic' society. In 2008 Linda Fabiani, the then Scottish culture minister, floated a proposal to expand the Australian event into an official Scotland Week as part of the Scottish government's international business strategy.
United States
In the United States it is estimated that there are 6 million people who claim Scottish descent. Little was done to follow up the New York event in 1982. In 1998, a Coalition of Scottish Americans with the Support of Senator Trent Lott, successfully lobbied the Senate for the designation of April 6 as National Tartan Day "to recognize the outstanding achievements and contributions made by Scottish Americans to the United States". Senate Resolution 155, passed on March 20, 1998, referred to the predominance of Scots among the Founding Fathers and claimed that the American Declaration of Independence was "modeled on" the Declaration of Arbroath. While this link is plausible, it has not been definitively proven. This is just one opinion. There is a great bit of proof given in the book entitled "Scottish Invention of America, Democracy and Human Rights" and to some degree in the book entitled " How the Scots Invented the Modern World". Thomas Jefferson's education was heavily influenced by Scottish thought. In 2004, the National Capital Tartan Day Committee, a coalition of Scottish-American organizations, successfully lobbied the US House of Representatives. On March 9, 2005, the United States House of Representatives unanimously adopted House Resolution 41, which designates April 6 of each year as "National Tartan Day.” H.Res.41 Chief Sponsors were Congressmen Mike McIntyre from North Carolinaand John Duncan from Tennessee. On April 4, 2008, President George Bush signed a Presidential Proclamation making April 6th National Tartan Day. Here is the content of the Presidential Proclamation: 2008 PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION President George Bush today signed on April 4th 2008 a Presidential Proclamation making April 6th National Tartan Day! Proclamation signed by the President of the United States: Americans of Scottish descent have made enduring contributions to our Nation with their hard work, faith, and values. On National Tartan Day, we celebrate the spirit and character of Scottish Americans and recognize their many contributions to our culture and our way of life. Scotland and the United States have long shared ties of family and friendship, and many of our country's most cherished customs and ideals first grew to maturity on Scotland's soil. The Declaration of Arbroath, the Scottish Declaration of Independence signed in 1320, embodied the Scots' strong dedication to liberty, and the Scots brought that tradition of freedom with them to the New World. Sons and daughters of many Scottish clans were among the first immigrants to settle in America, and their determination and optimism helped build our Nation's character. Several of our Founding Fathers were of Scottish descent, as have been many Presidents and Justices of the United States Supreme Court. Many Scottish Americans, such as Andrew Carnegie, were great philanthropists, founding and supporting numerous scientific, educational, and civic institutions. From the evocative sounds of the bagpipes to the great sport of golf, the Scots have also left an indelible mark on American culture. National Tartan Day is an opportunity to celebrate all Americans who claim Scottish ancestry, and we are especially grateful for the service in our Armed Forces of Scottish Americans who have answered the call to protect our Nation. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 6, 2008, as National Tartan Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day by celebrating the continued friendship between the people of Scotland and the United States and by recognizing the contributions of Scottish Americans to our Nation. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second. GEORGE W. BUSH The Tunes of Glory Parade organized by Magnus Orr and Thomas Grotrian in 2002 saw 8,250 pipers and drummers march through the streets of New York led by Sir Sean Connery and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. They were the centerpiece of the event where thousands of Americans celebrated their links to Scotland. One of Scotland's national treasures, William Wallace's sword, left Scotland for the first time in 700 years and was flown to New York for the Tartan Week celebrations of 2005. Outside New York City, one of the largest Tartan Day celebrations in the United States takes place each year on the weekend closest to April 6 on the banks of the Missouri river in St. Charles, Missouri. The Missouri Tartan Day Festival began in April 2000, after successful lobbying at the State Capital in Jefferson City, members of the St. Andrew and Celtic Societies of St. Louis, Kansas City, Jefferson City and Springfield, Missouri, gathered on the steps of the State Capitol in Jefferson City to receive the first proclamation of Tartan Day in Missouri. This was for the year 2000 only. In addition to the above celebrations, the Washington, DC, and Baltimore, Maryland, Scottish-American Societies hold Tartan Day Celebrations. These celebrations include a Congressional Reception hosted by Congressman McIntyre and Congressman Duncan and organized by the National Capital Tartan Day Committee, a Tartan Day Festival in Alexandria, Virginia, and various social and educational programs in the first two weeks in April.
Scotland Angus Council, whose region includes Arbroath, established the first Tartan Day festival in Scotland on April 6, 2004,
and has since joined other regional councils in attempting to develop its potential as a global celebration. In 2006 events were held in Arbroath, Aberdeen,Montrose, Kilmarnock, Stirling, Perth, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Argentina Argentina claims around 100,000 people of Scottish descent, the largest such community outside the English-speak-
ing world. The Tartan Day parade of Scottish porteños was inaugurated in Buenos Aires on April 6, 2006. The bearer of the key to Arbroath Abbey attended the march in 2008.
Chakri Day THAILAND - Apr 06
Chakri Day in Thailand is celebrated on the April 6th. It is the anniversary of the founding of Thailand's Chakri Dynasty. Presently it is the King Bhumipol who is ninth ruling monarch from this dynasty. It is a national holiday in the country and is celebrated in much fanfare, especially in Bangkok city. This is because it was also the day on which it was declared as the capital of Thailand in the year 1782.
meritorious acts for the great kings of the ruling dynasty. People are led in ceremonies by King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who is the ninth king of the dynasty. The King, accompanied by members of the royal family, presides over the religious ceremonies held at the royal chapel. He pays respects to his predecessors at the Royal Pantheon and proceeds for laying wreath at the statue of King Rama I at the Memorial Bridge. All government officials including the prime minister take part with the King in the wreath-laying ceremony.
Genocide Remembrance Day RWANDA - Apr 07
Genocide Remembrance Day (Armenian: Եղեռնի զոհերի հիշատակի օր) or Genocide Memorial day, is a national holiday in Armenia and is observed by Armenians in dispersed communities around the world on April 24. It is held annually to commemorate the victims of the Armenian Genocide from 1915 to 1923. In Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, hundreds of thousands of people walk to the Tsitsernakaberd Genocide Memorial to lay flowers at the eternal flame. The date 24 April commemorates the Armenian notables deported from the Ottoman capital in 1915, of hundreds of Armenian intellectuals and community leaders, most of whom would be executed, which was a precursor to the ensuing events.
Monuments Several monuments have been erected to
commemorate the Armenian Genocide: • Montebello Genocide Memorial • Tsitsernakaberd Genocide Memorial • Marseille Genocide Memorial • List of Armenian Genocide memorials
World Health Day Worldwide - Apr 07
World Health Day is celebrated every year on 7 April, under the sponsorship of the World Health Organization (WHO). In 1948, the World Health Organization held the First World Health Assembly. The Assembly decided to celebrate 7 April of each year, with effect from 1950, as the World Health Day. The World Health Day is held to mark WHO's founding, and is seen as an opportunity by the organization to draw worldwide attention to a subject of major importance to global health each year. The WHO organizes international, regional and local events on the Day related to a particular theme. Resources provided continue beyond 7 April, that is, the designated day for celebrating the World Health Day. World Health Day is acknowledged by various governments and non-governmental organizations with interests in public health isssues, who also organize activities and highlight their support in media reports, such as through press releases issued in recent years by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and the Global Health Council.
World Health Day 2012
M e r c e de s pla nt in C H unga r y outs t a nding a c hie v e m e nt , Or ba n by tended Parliamentary Speaker Laszlo Kover and Economy Minister GyMaorgy tolcsy. The plant will employ about 3,000 people to turn out next-generation compact models, said Daimler chief executive Dieter Zetsche. Earlier, the plant was expected to emabout ploy 2,500 people, but Zetsche said the number was beraised cause of big demand for comthe pany's new models. He that added more than 100,000 orders had already arrived for the new BClass. new The plant will make two of four next-generation A- and B-Class models. It plans to turn out an a n n u a l 100,000120,000 vehicles. The foundation stone of the plant was laid in the autumn of 2009. Hungarian companies won more than 80 percent of the contracts for the construction.
D e e pe ning B r a zilia n- H unga r ia n A gr ic ult ur a l D iplom a c y 28 (Online a building Mar) Sándor stronger relaFazekas holds tionship with talks with his the region. At Brazilian counthe Hungarian terpart Jorge – Latin AmeriA l b e r t o Forum can M e n d e s held in BuRibeiro Filho, on dapest for Minister March 26, the Agriculture, Minister of ForLivestock and eign Affairs anFood Supply of nounced that the Federative soon a travelof Republic ling ambassaBrazil. would dor The main topic again once of discussion begin activities was the develin five counopment of tries of the AnH u n g a r i a n - Jorge Alberto Mendes Ribeiro Filho and Sándor Fazekas dean region. Brazilian agri- (Photo: Csaba Pelsőczy) Agricultural c u l t u r a l foreign trade research and commerce cooperation of Latin America can no longer be cir- between the two countries is minimal, opportunities, including joint research cumvented when it comes to han- but imports exceed exports, meaning projects within the fields of biotech- dling the global challenges facing the that our foreign trade balance with nology and Brazil has aquaculture, been negative as well as the for years now. June Rio+20 In 2011, Brazil conference. mainly exThe main obported cane jectives of the and beet sugar conference, to (13.2 million be held in US Dollars), June, are the tobacco (12.3 increasing of million US Dolthe ratio of relars), coffee newable enextract (9.5 ergy sources, million US Doland the devellars) and opment of enfrozen poultry ergy efficiency. meat (941 Hungarianthousand US Brazilian bilatDollars) to eral relations Hungary. We have become export dried more active in Photo: Csaba Pelsőczy vegetables recent years; and wine several high-level government meetmade from fresh grapes to Latin ings have taken place. The countries whole of humanity, and so Hungary is America.
Se v e r a l m or e c a r dina l A c t s t o be de ba t e d in Pa r lia m e nt t his we e k and increase fines for violations; 29th June is proposed as the Remembrance Day for “kulak” victims of persecution. A proposed resolution adopting the report of the committee of inquiry into privatisation of sugar factories would lead to the more effective representation of Hungarian interests related to the sugar quota system at EU level, preparing for the planned ending of the EU sugar quota system. Officials and members of the committee on Malév will be elected There will be a full debate on the proposed amendment to the Act on Selfdetermination of Information and Freedom of Information aimed at correcting deficiencies in data protection identified by the European Commission. The aim of the amendment is to
increase the independence of the President of the Authority on National Data Protection and Freedom of Information. Several amending measures will be voted on, including those on the protection of non-smokers, on local taxes, on aid to borrowers of foreigner currency denominated loans and some laws on migration. The debate on the proposed cardinal Act on Parliament and changes to House Rules will start on Tuesday. Following this, there will be a debate on amendments to the Act on Organisation of Courts and the Judiciary, and the Legal Status and Remuneration of Judges (in the light of comments received from the Venice Commission.
Meeting of ministers from Austria, Hungary and Serbia was held in Vienna (Online 27 Mar) Interior Minister Sándor Pintér held negotiation in Vienna with Austrian Federal Minister of the Interior Johanna Mikl-Leitner and Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dacic on common fight against illegal migration. There has been a significant increase in the number of illegal migrants apprehended in Austria and Hungary in the second half of 2011. The majority
of these people are citizens of Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Somalia, Iran, and Iraq who have been smuggled into the European Union under inhuman conditions in converted buses, lorries or cars. A number of measures have been taken involving Hungarian, Austrian and Serbian authorities and in addition EU agencies (Europol, Frontex) to confront the phenomenon.
According to earlier statistics comprehensive and coordinated measures and common action have lead to significant results. Action against illegal migration is an ongoing priority issue of EU Interior Ministers’ meeting therefore an EU road map have been accepted by the ministers in June.
János Martonyi’s negotiations in Bucharest (Online 27 Mar) On 20 March 2012 Hungarian Foreign Minister János Martonyi paid an official visit to Bucharest. He participated in discussions with Romanian Foreign Minister Cristian Diaconescu and was received on a courtesy visit by Romanian Prime Minister Mihai Razvan Ungureanu and Head of the Senate Vasile Blaga. János Martonyi attended a meeting with Hunor Kelemen, President of the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (RMDSZ) as well. At the Foreign Ministerial meeting both parties praised the excellent relations between the two countries. János Martonyi expressed his thanks for the Romanian Government’s positive attitude in the issue of the partial suspension of Hungary’s Cohesion Fund allocation at the ECOFIN meeting of 13 March. The Romanian partner appreciated Hungary’s persevering support for Romania’s accession to the Schengen area and expressed their hope that it would be accomplished this September. Regarding the key figures of the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2014-2020 and the Cohesion Funds in particular, both parties deemed the cooperation of Central European countries important. The parties emphasised that the economic relations between the two countries are excellent. Romania is
the second largest market for Hungarian export; the trade between Romania and Hungary amounts to almost 7 billion euros. Progress has been achieved in the area of infrastructure development; we signed agreements on the border crossing stations of the motorways linking Debrecen with Oradea, and Szeged with Arad. The Hungarian partner urged that the Parliament of Romania should ratify these agreements as soon as possible. The construction and reconstruction of cross-border roads is of similar importance: the parties compiled a list including 65 projects; the prerequisite of their execution is the conclusion of a relevant framework agreement. Concerning the situation of the Hungarian minority, the Hungarian Foreign Minister was glad to note the accreditation of the Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania and the recommencement of the restitution process regarding church properties. He requested the reassuring settlement of the issue of the Hungarian department of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Târgu Mures; the government decision and the social debate on it laid appropriate foundation for this. The Romanian party urged Hungary to sign the protocols of the Hungarian-Romanian Joint Committee on Minorities as soon as possible.
Over the last 18 months, the Hungarian Parliament has adopted 360 pieces legislation and the new Constitution, in order that Hungary should be once more a model for others. Part of the vigorous programme of reform is in the economic sphere, one of the main aims of which is that as many people as possible should work, and that Government debt should decrease. The Prime Minister thinks that attacks are part of every day life in pol-
itics and that those on the Hungarian Government are not surprizing, as it is very rare for a country in Europe to adopt a new Constitution. Nobody is perfect, and in major every criticsm there is at least a of scintilla truth. It is part of the political landscape, that the European Parliament threatens deprive to Hungary of its right to vote, due to the alleged violation of democratic rights. Though the background to this is that the international left is trying to rebuild the left in Hungary, which was devastated in the last election. The Prime Minister said that for him, Europe stands for peace. If there were no European Union, than there would be no peace on the continent. The lesson of the last century is that peace can be assured among the peoples of the continent by following the principle of ’live and let live.’
Government Declares War on Speculators 29 (Online agreed that the Mar) The govstate of agriernment has culture had imadopted the p r o v e d of Ministry significantly reRural Developcently, and that proment's are reforms posal on illegal moving things land purchasin the right diing. The Minisrection." "The ter of Rural most important Development future objecpromised swift for tives and effective MAGOSZ is action regardthat the Huning so-called garian agriculconpocket sector ture tracts. conshould At the Governtinue to gain m e n t strength, and spokesperthat the quality press (photo: Csaba Pelsőczy) son's of life in rural conference on areas should remain in the hands of Hun"must Thursday, Sándor Fazekas stated improve", he added. that the Government had declared garian farmers." Government spokesman András war on speculators: they have The President of the Hungarian farm- Giró-Szász stated that since its forers' association MAGOSZ also took formed a comthe mation, mittee to filter government suspect out mainhas land purchase that tained contracts. agriculture is a The head of strategic secthe Ministry of tor, and that Rural Developthe Hungarian ment said that is economy the authorities only secure if it and ministries can rely on a concerned rural strong would cooperbase; for this ate and harthe reason, monise their good name of actions to inagriculture vestigate all must be reland purchase stored, and the contracts that rural policy of raise suspicion previous govin any form. He ernments must added that to Sándor Fazekas, István Jakab and András Giró-Szász be reformed. this end, the (photo: Csaba Pelsőczy) András Girócommittee Szász also rewould be working on the elaboration part in the press conference, and in minded those present that the of legal and technical instruments in relation to his meetings with Victor validation of national interests at EUOrbán and Sándor Fazekas stated level is more resolute than in previthe near future. Sándor Fazekas said it was unac- that they had discussed the results of ous years, payments are occurring past two years of government more rapidly; the government has the ceptable that in a constitutional state someone should be able to purchase measures relating to agriculture and supported and will continue to suptasks ahead for the future. the farmland with speculative intent. port family run farms. "Hungarian land" – as he put it – István Jakab stated, they "had
The r a t e of e m ploy m e nt ha s f ur t he r inc r e a s e d in the e c onom y 29 (Online Mar) In December 2011February 2012 the dynamic increase of the number of employees has continued in comparison to the corresponding period of the previous year – the Central StatisOffice tics (KSH) reports. The number of employed aged 15-74 has increased substantially, more than in the previous period, by 51 000 to 3 million 794 thousand from 3 million 743 thousand a year before and thus the rate of employment rose to 49.5 percent. Among the population aged 15-64 years the number of employed increased by 50 000 to 3 million 761 thousand from 3 million 711 thousand a year before and thus the rate of employment rose to 55.8 percent. According to the latest labour market data of the KSH, in December 2011February 2012 on an annual basis KSH Source: increased the number of employed already for the 19th time. Among the
population aged 15-74 years the number of employed increased (year/year) by 1.4 percent which is higher than the 1.1 percent registered in the previous period. Consequently, the rate of employment for this age group increased from 48.7 percent in the corresponding period of the previous year to 49.5 percent. In the age group of 15-64 years this figure increased by 1.3 percent on an annualized basis. As far as the aspect of gender in employment is concerned, the employment rate of men aged 15-64 years
increased by 1.1 percent to 60.8 percent, while this rate for women increased higher than in the previous period by percent 0.9 (50.9 percent). Among men 15-64 aged years 2 million 16 thousand had a job, which is 25 000 more than in the corresponding period of 2010, whereas the number of jobs among women increased to 1million 746 thousand. As per age groups, the number of employed increased by 1.8 percent in the most favourable age group (25-54 years), while among the population aged 55-64 years it improved by 0.5 percent. The employment rate of the population aged 15-24, however, is still low (17.5 percent). We consider it a tendency that employment has been increasing steadily in spite of the unfavourable external market conditions of the past one-and-a-half years.
28 (Online Mar) On 27 March Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Administration and Justice Tibor Navracsics adthe dressed annual 12th general meeting of the Hung a r i a n Association for Innovation, In(Magyar novációs Szövetség). He said that the Governmust photo: Károly Árvai ment support innovation and pioneering inventions one of the most innovative countries, must be built into the system – oth- and that many Hungarians are enerwise inventors might take their gaged in useful innovation. The syseconomically important innovative talents abroad, where they can be rebetter warded. ‘Over the past fifteen years every government has said that innovation is a very important area while but, have steps been taken in political the sphere, innovation has still taken a backseat,’ said the Deputy Prime photo: Károly Árvai Minister. In his opinion, the main problem for a polit- tem is so fragmented, however, that ical decision-maker is to decide a significant number of such innovawhether an innovation could benefit tions are unexploited or are further the national economy – and is thus developed abroad, due to the low fiworthy of support – or whether it is a nancial rewards in our country. In reshort term, market-oriented enter- sponse to this problem, the Government has created the Naprise. Mr. Navracsics said that Hungary is tional Research, Innovation and Sci-
Policy ence Council, which provides the opportunity for ministries and representatives from civil society interested in innovation to meet – thus enabling opinions from outside the Government to be incorporated into the decisionm a k i n g process. This forum is ideally suited to increasing the Government’s receptiveness to innovation. In Europe and throughout the world the most pressing question is to what extent these inventions and innovations can stimulate economic Mr. growth. Navracsics said that we should strive to keep the inventions and discoveries of talented people from benethe fiting economies of other nations than rather their own. Last week the Government announced that EU and Hungarian grants totalling HUF 74.6 billion will be available through calls for applications in the field of research, development and innovation. The programme is aimed at umbrella projects of larger companies and the market-oriented activities of mediumsize enterprises.
D oc t or s ’ de pos it e d not ic e s of de nunc ia t ion s hr e dde d
The theme of World Health Day 2012, marked on 7 April 2012, is devoted to "Ageing and Health". Life expectancy is going up in most countries, meaning more and more people live longer and enter an age when they may need health care. Meanwhile birth rates are generally falling. Countries and health care systems will need to find innovative and sustainable ways to cope with the demographic shift. As reported by John Beard, director of the WHO Department of Ageing and Life Course, "With the rapid ageing of populations, finding the right model forlong-term care becomes more and more urgent."
(Online 28 Mar) In this week’s twoday sitting, the Hungarian parliament will consider the following bills: the proposed cardinal Act on Parliament; the amendment to the cardinal Act on the Organisation of Courts and the Judiciary (in the light of the Venice Commission’s comments); amendment to the cardinal Act on Data Protection (in the light of the European Commission’s recommendations); and the proposed resolution on government measures to curb excessive domestic debt from foreign currency denominated loans. An amendment proposed by Fidesz would mean that members of private pension schemes returning to the state pension scheme would receive tax benefits; a KDNP measure would tighten the rules on food marketing
26 (Online Mar) In an interview given on Bavarian public television, PM Viktor said Orbán that before the last change of government, Hungary was in a more difficult situation than Greece, but that in the future, it will be a model for others, thanks to the Government’s reform policies, and the ability of Hungarians to regain their footing. The Prime Minister said that Hungarians are able to turn their horses around, at the last moment, and pull back from the brink of disaster. He also said that for a variety reasons, partly external and partly internal, Hungary has often reached the brink of collapse. This was also the case 2010, when the new Government took over a country in an even worse condition, than Greece and set about restoring Hungary with a very strongly set of reform policies.
Innov a t ion on the a ge nda
Celebrations On this day, the people of Thailand perform
29 (Online The Mar) opening of a Daimler-Benz factory in central Hungary's Kecskemet is one of the greatest recent achievements for the country, Prime MinisViktor ter Orban said at the opening ceremony on Thursday. In his address, Orban c a l l e d photo: Gergely Botár Kecskemet "another stronghold" of Hungary's vehicle production and said that the new factory constituted "a great step" in efforts to make the country a global carmaking centre. "We are on the right path and our German friends are living proof that we not photo: Károly Árvai are marching the alone," prime minister said. He that added the new plant was "pointing in the right direction of a in future which Europe can leave behind its overwhelming past because it will again learn how to work". The inauguration of the 800-millioneuro plant photo: Gergely Botár was also at-
Europe stands for peace: Orban
János Martonyi invited Romanian Prime Minister Mihai Razvan Ungureanu to visit Hungary, who was glad to accept the invitation. The Romanian party intends to initiate an open and impartial debate on the topic of Schengen with European partners. Concerning the Multiannual Financial Framework, he finds it important that the countries having the same interests should develop a strategy of joint action. Head of the Senate Vasile Blaga requested that parliamentary representation should be provided for the Romanian minority in Hungary and asked for information on the relevant laws and regulations. He was glad that a decision had been reached on the location of a Romanian Orthodox church to be built in Budapest. Hunor Kelemen, President of the RMDSZ informed the Hungarian Foreign Minister of the internal situation of the Hungarian minority in Romania and Transylvania in light of the municipal elections of June and the parliamentary elections of November. János Martonyi encouraged the political organisations of Hungarians in Transylvania to cooperate in order to strengthen the representation of the Hungarian minority on both local and national level.
(Online 30 Mar) The Minister of State for Health Mr. Miklós Szócska and Magor Papp, president of the Hungarian Residents’ Association at the Semmelweis University began together to shred the notices of denunciation previously deposited by the residents. The president pointed out that thank to the Minister of State for Health, healthcare will turn into a more liveable sector for the first time during the past 10 years. The collection and possible activation of notices of denunciation are over this year, he added. As the first step to improve the salary condition of healthcare workers, the joint effort of the State Secretariat for Health of the Ministry of National Resources and the professional organizations resulted in a wage increase for those working by sick-beds in both outpatient and inpatient care. The State Secretariat for Health was glad to hear that the Hungarian Residents’ Association decided not to activate the previously deposited
notices of denunciation. Minister of State for Health Miklós Szócska offered his paper shredder and accepted the invitation of the Hungarian Residents’ Association to attend the press conference on the suspension of the action, where the Minister of State and Magor Papp, president of the Hungarian Residents’ Assocation, in a symbolic act, put the deposited notices of denunciation in a paper shredder. Miklós Szócska said he was glad that this act was took at the Semmelweis University, as it is important to maintain a good cooperation with the younger generation of doctors. The Minister of State thanked the residents for their wise patience, which allow them to give enough time for the State Secretariat to do their job. He emphasized that this increased salary improved the situation of 86 000 healthcare workers, which clearly indicates the Government’s dedication to settling this issue. As for next steps, the Minister of State said that the next phase of
work will be very meticulous, during which young doctors will be able to regain their faith in their exciting and interesting profession. Miklós Szócska recalled that contrary to the allegations of the malcontents, several goals have been reached, including, the scholarship programme, the praxis programme, the introduction of the public health product tax, the increased financing of the general practitioners and the commencement of the salary increase. We will leave no one behind in the mines, he added. Magor Papp, president of the Hungarian Residents’ Association said that hopefully there will be no need to collect notices of denunciation. He explained that they are now shredding the notices, but cooperation of the doctors remains and they hope that the residents will find their happiness at home, since this is their way in the country with appropriate conditions for which reason they were fighting for.
Figur e s of la s t y e a r a r e a s igna l f or t he f ut ur e (Online 30 Mar) The state budget according to EU methodology had for 2011 a surplus of 1204.6bn HUF which corresponds to the 4.3 percent of GDP. The budget deficit excluding one-off items was 2.43 percent instead of the 2.94 percent which had been assumed. This is an outstanding achievement considering prior domestic results and data of other countries as well. Ever since the regime change had taken place in Hungary no government managed to have a budget in surplus. We therefore consider it a special occasion that in 2011 the government closed the budget year with a surplus, even if some exceptional measures had contributed to this outcome.
When the government endorsed the budget for last year it undertook to bring the deficit to 2.94 percent excluding one-off items. In this light the achievement that the budget ended the year with a deficit half a percent below the original target is even more significant. This was the first year since 2004 that the state budget deficit could be held at below the 3 percent threshold subscribed by the EU. The much better than anticipated deficit figure is indisputably the consequence of the proportionate flat rate tax system. The new system resulted in 40 000 new jobs, an increase of almost 6 percent in real wages, improvement in the welfare of families with children and con-
tributed to combating the black economy. The 60bn HUF in extra revenues which the proportionate, flat rate tax system had produced also supported financial consolidation. The better than anticipated state budget deficit figure we also consider a significant improvement because neither international financial institutions nor the majority of domestic experts trusted that the Hungarian government could keep the budget deficit below 3 percent excluding one-off items. The deficit figure of 2.43 percent achieved in 2011 is also a telling signal that via a tight, disciplined fiscal policy the Hungarian government will manage to reach the deficit target of 2.5 percent for 2012 and 2.2 percent for 2013.
Priority government support to the national transport security programme (Online 28 Mar) At its last meeting the Government approved of the submission made by the Ministry of National Development on the identification of for priority transport security project proposals in action plans, Deputy State Secretary for Transport Zoltán Schváb reported during the signing of the related support contract for Állami Autópálya Kezelő Zrt. (ÁAK) on 27 March, 2012 in Budapest. In acknowledgement of the significance of this unprecedented transport security programme, a decision was made to allocate HUF 38 billion on the aggregate for launching railway and public road infrastructure programmes to prevent accidents causing personal injuries. With support from the New Széchenyi Plan, ÁAK, MÁV, Magyar Közút and GYSEV may spend HUF 13.2 billion, 12.4 billion, 11.4 billion and 982 billion, respectively, on transport security interventions in networks operated by these companies. The works, which typically do
not require building permits, will be completed at the latest by the second half of 2015. Thus their outcome may soon materialise in the further improvement of accident statistics. As a common feature, these projects are efficient: at relatively low costs significant results can be achieved in cutting the number of accidents, mitigating their outcomes the reducing the damages caused to persons and property, the Deputy State Secretary stressed. In the past decade the number of people diseased in public road accidents nearly halved in Hungary: it dropped from 1239 to 646 per year. Similarly favourable data were recorded only in the 1960s and 1970s, with considerably fewer cars and less traffic. The ministry supports further improvement in accident statistics through building more secure public road infrastructure and encouraging the spread of smart technologies. On the ministry’s initiative, funds in
the amount of HUF 50 billion have been allocated for the first time under the New Széchenyi Plan for infrastructure developments promoting the prevention of accidents involving personal injuries. The itemised project list was compiled on the basis of the expert recommendations made by the railway companies and public road operators who have the most thorough knowledge of the related problems and the focal points of accidents. The projects planned by ÁAK, of which the development of smart traffic control systems were highlighted by Zoltán Schváb, will have been completed by the end of 2014. The road operator will install high-tech changeable road signs, traffic monitoring cameras, meteorological detectors and traffic counter loops in the speedway network. In addition to preventing accidents, these developments will serve passengers’ faster travel and high level and quick information.
Building permit application process will be faster and more transparent 28 (Online Mar) With the introduction of a new system called ÉTDR building permit application process will be significantly faster which is important from citizens’ the and authorities’ points of view – emphaPéter sized Szaló Deputy State Secretary for Area Management and Construction of the Min- Photo: Gergely Botár istry of Interior on the press conference of the new system applicants can initiate succession, review procedure and may system. Péter Szaló said: Electronic Docu- request the extension of a period. mentation System for Building Permit Application P r o c e s s (ÉTDR) is part of the Electronic Public Administration Operational Programme (EKOP). The entire budget of the system is around HUF 1,1 billion and it shall be implemented by financing of European Regional Development Fund Péter Szaló (Photo: Gergely Botár) and by co-financing of the Hungarian State. ÉTDR is an accessible web-based The new procedural system eases system it supports the electronic the application process for those apmanagement of planning application plicants too who do not wish to presdocuments electronically documents – stressed Deputy State ent Secretary and added: applicants because government windows with may present application documents, flexible operation hours are availverifications and have the opportu- able. nity to upload necessary annexes to Due to the central management of a uniform building permit application annexes planning application docusurface after they have logged in ments are available in the ÉTDR system for authorities, organizations client gateway system. Péter Szaló highlighted: due to the involved in the process and applicants. Authorities control documents
in the system they present their resolutions on the surface, date, sign and seal documents electronically. When second instance decisions are app e a l e d authority reviews technia l c documentation in the ÉTDR system - informed Deputy State Secretary. Building permit application processes will be faster and more transparent. Applications will be formulated more accurate, documents will be more transparent and more detailed which decreases correction of irregularities and permit application process will speed up – said Péter Szaló and added: reducing administrative burdens generates more time for professional preparation and established decision making that helps to avoid conflicts in many cases. ÉTDR is expected to be introduced in the end of 2012. Substantial part of work has just begun: electronic payment of fees, postal electronic service, and land registry office data should be made available and integration with record management systems should be solved too. Thereby ÉTDR will be part of uniform electronic public administration.
Work in Missions Is the Peak of Military Vocation (Online 26 Mar) The experience our soldiers gain in mission areas can be put to good use in the interest of territorial defence, the armed defence of the Homeland”, said Dr. Csaba Hende on March 20. The Minister of Defence attended in Szolnok the “Welcome Home” ceremony for the (photo: Mária Krasznai-Nehrebeczky) 11th rotation of the HDF Provincial Reconstruction Speaking on behalf of the Hungarian Team (HUN PRT-11) and the farewell nation, the Minister thanked the ceremony for the troops to deploy troops who just returned from their with the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). “During the peacetimes that Europe – and Hungary within it – enjoys nowadays, the peak of military vocation and the highest manifestation of the profession is the work done in missions”, Csaba Hende stressed in the speech he de- (photo: Mária Krasznai-Nehrebeczky) livered at the HDF ‘Lt. Ittebei Kiss József’ Helicopter Base. The Minister pointed out tour of duty in Afghanistan for their that the missions provide the best devoted work. He highlighted that venue for cooperation on the issues thanks to the available equipment that our allies consider important in and armaments, the HUN PRT-11 the interest of global peace and se- was able to undertake significantly more work than its predecessors. He curity.
reminded those present of the words of appreciation that German Defence Minister Thomas de Maiziere said during his whirlwind visit to Camp Pannonia in praising the very high professional standards of the Hungarian contingent. “I ask you to take care of each other and do not lose anyone” – this was how Csaba Hende said farewell to the Hungarian troops to deploy with UNFICYP. “Fly the Hungarian tricolor high, and make new friends for the Hungarian nation by doing a good job and pursuing honorable conduct”, the Minister of Defence said. Also in attendance at the ceremony were Gen. Tibor Benkő, the Chief of the MoD Defence Staff, Maj.-Gen. László Domján, the Commander of the HDF Joint Force Command, Brig.Gen. Zsolt Sándor, the Commander of the HDF 25th ‘Klapka György’ Infantry Brigade and Brig.-Gen. Imre Lamos, the Commander of the HDF 86th Szolnok Helicopter Base.
The Atlas of Economic Complexity (Online 30 Mar) The researchers of the American Harvard and MIT universities concluded a study on economic complexity last year. The atlas analyzes the foreign trade of 128 countries and sets up an economic
growth ranking which is based on the so-called Economic Complexity Index (ECI). The basis for the analysis is the quantity and complexity of exported goods and the frequency of exports. Consequently, services and
non-export goods were not included in the study. You can find the analysis in the attached document on the right side of the page!
Govt launches 2-year anti-graft programme (Online 29 Mar) Hungary's government has adopted a two-year programme on preventing corruption in central government institutions, Bence Retvari, the state secretary for public administration, said on Thursday. Retvari told a press conference that
a code of ethics for employees of public administration will be published, anti-corruption ethics built into the national curriculum and a campaign will be run to educate residents. Research shows that 63 percent of Hungarians believe that it is not pos-
sible to get ahead without connections and corruption, Retvari said, adding that the government aims to push this rate down to 50 percent. Results are expected before the government's term expires in 2014, he added.