Semjen: Diaspora Hungarians form part of nation

Since 2010, diaspora Hungarians have formed a part of the Hungarian nation "with equal weight and respect" as ethnic Hungarians in the Carpathian Basin, Deputy Prime Minister Zsolt Semjen told the 9th plenary session of the Hungarian Diaspora Council in Budapest on Thursday. Semjen, who is in charge of Hungarian communities abroad, said that diaspora Hungarians had been regarded as "enemies" during the communist era and neglected afterwards between 1990-2010. But since 2010, when the Fidesz-Christian Democrats came to power, all members of the diaspora have been welcome in Hungary, he said. Semjen welcomed that more than 1.1 million Hungarians have become citizens of the country as a result of simplified citizenship procedures launched by the Fidesz government. He thanked the diaspora for always supporting Hungary and Hungarians even in difficult situations.