Slovak officials criticise Péter Magyar over nationalist language and Holy Crown plan
Slovak officials have reacted sharply to comments and symbolism linked to Hungarian opposition leader Péter Magyar, after he used the term Felvidék for Hungarians in Slovakia and backed a proposal involving the Holy Crown in parliament.
Slovak sports minister Rudolf Huliak said Magyar sounded like "another Hungarian nationalist" and accused him of harbouring annexationist aims.
Slovak president Peter Pellegrini has also been reported as having taken issue with the language.
The immediate dispute centres on Felvidék, a historical Hungarian name for parts of Slovakia where the Hungarian minority lives.
The term is politically sensitive because of its association with pre-1920 borders and the Treaty of Trianon.
The row has widened because of plans for Hungary's inaugural parliamentary session on 9 May.
Reports said MPs might swear their oath before the Holy Crown, a symbol of Hungarian statehood and sovereignty, although the crown will not now be brought into the chamber.
The Holy Crown Committee, a state body that oversees its use and includes outgoing prime minister Viktor Orbán, did not approve the move.
The proposal had originated from the far-right Mi Hazánk Mozgalom and was backed by both Magyar's Tisza party and Fidesz.
Magyar has also said that after he takes the prime ministerial oath, the Hungarian, European, Roma and Székely anthems will be played.
He said the EU flag, along with Hungarian and Székely flags, will be raised on the parliament building.
The dispute matters because it touches on minority identity, historical memory and the use of national symbols in a region where such references can quickly become politically charged.
