Hungary PM proposes award for controversial ex-leader

Hungary's prime minister has sent a letter to Hungary's president asking him to present an award of recognition to former Hungary Prime Minister Gyula Horn on his upcoming 75th birthday, reports fn.hu.

Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány sent the letter to President László Sólyom, asking him to honor Horn for his activities as the country's leader and foreign minister. Horn turns 75 on July 5.

Horn is a controversial figure because of his role in the aftermath of the 1956 Revolution when he joined Hungary's "pufajkás" brigades, an armed body that assisted the Soviets in restoring Communism in the country.

Horn served as foreign minister from 1989 to 1990, and was prime minister from 1994 to 1998. He has received several awards from foreign states for his role in restoring the unity of Germany.

Former Prime Minister Péter Medgyessy apparently sent a similar proposal to former State President Ferenc Mádl before Horn's 70th birthday. Mádl rejected the request and several civil organizations protested as well. Mádl said awarding Horn would be too divisive.

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