‘You Can Count on Us!’—that is the slogan under which this year’s Bálványos Summer Free University and Student Camp, commonly known as Tusványos, will be organized in Băile Tușnad, Transylvania, Romania. Tusványos, an event of deep significance for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and the Hungarian government party Fidesz, will be held between 22 and 27 July, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Hungarian Parliament and co-founder of the Free University, Zsolt Németh, announced on Wednesday.
Speaking at a press conference in Budapest, Németh explained that the slogan is intended to convey humanity, reliability, and predictability amid the current challenging economic, social, and political environment. A rapid recovery or significant change cannot necessarily be expected, he forecast, emphasizing that, for their part in Hungarian public life, they strive to do what they can—whether in geopolitical, social policy, or national policy terms.
He noted that geopolitics is being shaped by a global power realignment and two serious wars directly affecting Hungary. In his view, this marks the return of the age of diplomacy, as chasing further illusions or relying solely on brute force are no longer viable paths. Professional diplomacy and dialogue are needed in the transforming world order, he stressed.
Strong International Line-Up
This year’s Tusványos will feature exceptionally strong international participation. Guests will include former Prime Minister of Australia Tony Abbott; former Prime Minister of Slovenia Janez Janša; and Lord David Frost, the United Kingdom’s chief Brexit negotiator. Returning to Tusványos will be John O’Sullivan, head of the Danube Institute and former speechwriter for British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Pollster for Donald Trump John McLaughlin is also expected. Guests will arrive from Lebanon, Cambodia, Venezuela, Poland, and Germany.
The early winds of Hungary’s election campaign are already strongly felt: this year again, there will be a roundtable on Hungarian party politics. On Saturday, László Tőkés will deliver a lecture, which, following tradition, will be followed by a speech from Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Nearly half of the Hungarian government—currently seven ministers—is expected to participate in the camp’s events, Németh said.
New panels will address topics including the situation of citizens with disabilities and Roma integration. The Danube Institute will also present a rich programme focusing on the Carpathian Basin.
Transylvania in the Centre
National cohesion will hold a prominent place in the Free University’s programme, with Hungarian communities from across the entire Carpathian Basin represented alongside a strong Transylvanian presence.
Executive President of the Hungarian National Council of Transylvania Tibor Toró spoke about how the organizers face new challenges each year. This year, the goal is to offer perspectives for resolving crises and to provide a framework for interpreting them. He also emphasized that they aim to create opportunities for genuine dialogue.
He noted that the number of participating partners continues to grow each year, and they are striving to meet this challenge. According to Tibor Toró, this growth reflects the organizers' ongoing efforts to bring together representatives from across the entire political spectrum in Transylvania. The main venue for the event will be the Károly Kós tent, where topics such as language rights, autonomy, the situation in Székely Land, the Roma community, and the recent disaster in Parajd will be discussed.
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