Controversy: Putin supporters invited to the 29th Budapest International Book Festival

The 29th Budapest International Book Festival has yet to begin, but the organisers are already facing criticism for inviting individuals who have publicly supported Vladimir Putin and Russia’s actions against Ukraine. While some are outraged by this decision, the organisers maintain that politics should remain separate from cultural events of this kind.

Founded in 1994, the Budapest International Book Festival is one of Hungary’s most prestigious and eagerly anticipated events. This year marks its 29th edition, running from 26th to 29th September at Millenáris Park in Budapest. Much of the media’s attention is focused on the guest of honour, Jón Kalman Stefánsson, a leading figure in contemporary Icelandic literature, who will also be awarded the Budapest Grand Prize by the Mayor of Budapest. However, others have taken note of the more controversial guests of the Budapest International Book Festival, questioning whether some of the invitees are truly deserving of the honour.

Putin supporters among the invitees

It is worth noting that the DPR is a territory seized by pro-Russian separatists from Ukraine. In 2022, Gravickij signed an open letter expressing his support for the so-called “special operation” in Ukraine. Despite these facts, Gravickij is scheduled to participate in two programmes during the festival, according to 24.hu. His book will be discussed during a programme titled How to Create, Destroy and Rebuild Invented and Alternate Worlds on Thursday, followed by a conversation on Saturday entitled Professional Secrets – Meeting Alekszej Gravickij, Author and Screenwriter.

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Hetényi also voiced her disapproval of Dimitrij Bak’s invitation to the 29th Budapest International Book Festival. Bak, a journalist and translator, is the head of all literary museums in Russia and was one of 80 prominent Russian cultural figures who signed an open letter supporting Putin’s actions in Ukraine and Crimea. Hetényi said that it is “compromising and infuriating to participate in an event alongside people like them” and has expressed her intention to protest during their roundtable discussion on Saturday.

Following the online controversy stirred by Hetényi’s post, both Népszava and Index reached out to Katalin Gál, president of the Association of Hungarian Publishers and Book Distributors. Gál responded by stating that participants in the book festival should not be judged in this manner, asserting that they should not be investigated and calling for greater empathy. She also clarified that Gravickij has been invited for his expertise in science fiction, not for his political views.

However, Gál acknowledged that if Hetényi wishes to voice her concerns during the discussion, she is welcome to do so, as the issue is indeed a significant one. Gál suggested that Hetényi “watch or listen to at least one of their programmes,” adding that she could also confront the author directly if she wishes, as her knowledge of his work appears to be limited to Wikipedia. Finally, Gál emphasised that Ukraine will also play a central role at the Budapest International Book Festival, with four programmes dedicated to Ukrainian literature and its connection to the war.

It will be interesting to see how this controversy unfolds and what impact it may have on the Budapest International Book Festival, which remains free for all to attend. The full programme is available on the official website.

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Author: Alexandra Kádár