Photo DR / Hungarian Consulate
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It is a family whose name resonates particularly in Nancy and Lorraine. Appointed Ambassador from Hungary to France a few months ago, Georges Habsbourg-Lorraine, son of Otto de Habsbourg-Lorraine, chose Lorraine last weekend for his first diplomatic trip outside Paris. Meet.
He is a convinced European, and how not to be when one is the descendant of such a dynasty which reigned over central Europe. Because in the house of the Habsburg-Lorraine, Europe goes without saying. To do this, you have to open the history book. First of all, he is the grandson of the last Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary, Charles I and his wife Empress Zita. But also the youngest son of Otto of Habsburg-Lorraine, who died in 2011, the ultimate pretender to the throne of Austria and Hungary, ardent defender of European construction and figure of the European Parliament for nearly twenty years.
Georges Habsbourg-Lorraine has been Hungarian Ambassador to France for several months in December. This 56-year-old man, married and father of three children, holder of dual Hungarian and Austrian nationality, is according to European dynastic tradition, His Imperial and Royal Highness the Archduke George of Austria, Prince of Hungary, Bohemia and Croatia. After studying law, history and political science in Austria, Germany and Spain, he began by working for television or communication companies before embarking on a diplomatic career.
Last weekend, we met him in Nancy, after a stint on Saturday morning at the annual traditional and memorial mass set up by Marshal Lyautey in 1934 given in the Cordeliers church in memory of the Dukes of Lorraine and Bar, a reception at the Académie Stanislas in the afternoon as “Associate member – foreign correspondent”. And before the inauguration of a place in Vaudémont in the name of his father on Sunday since Archduke Otto of Habsbourg-Lorraine was married in 1951 in Nancy, returned there 50 years later to celebrate his wedding there. gold, and often made a detour through this village of Saintois.
Photo DR / Hungarian Consulate
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It is a very special visit for you here with such a strong bond that has existed for a very long time between your family, Nancy and Lorraine. What do you feel ?
“It is indeed a very meaningful and very special visit. I took up my duties as Hungarian Ambassador to Paris at the start of the year. I immediately said that my first visit outside of Paris should be in Lorraine. And it is done. Obviously, this is not the first time that I come to Nancy! I have a lot of memories in this city. The golden wedding anniversary of my parents celebrated in May 2001 for example. I know very well all that this represents for my parents, in particular the welcome they received in Nancy during all these years, from 1951 when my father could not reach Central Europe. It touched him throughout his life. I also like to introduce the city to the younger generations of our family. Show them the heritage, obviously Place Stanislas. It’s always a real pleasure to come back to Nancy. “
Being the grandson of the last king of Hungary, son of a fervent European defender, is it an advantage to be an ambassador?
“A huge advantage. My family and my father have had so many ties to France for so many years. Starting with the language. I speak German, Hungarian, French, Spanish, English and Italian. This helps me enormously in the relationships that I now have to establish and maintain with both the political and administrative worlds. Certain relationships that my father forged during his twenty years in the European Parliament now allow my functions to speed up the files. In this kind of function, networks are essential and I am lucky to be able to knock on the right door very quickly. “
What was your first feeling when you announced your appointment?
“I was very surprised. I became a Goodwill Ambassador in 1996 but at the time I did not report to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs but directly to the Prime Minister. So I was working on very broad subjects: the integration of Hungary into the European Union, relations with the United Nations and other international organizations. When the Prime Minister called me to offer me this post in France, I accepted with the greatest pleasure. I saw this as a great possibility to represent Hungary in France and to strengthen the relationship between the two. France remains one of the key countries for the future of the European Union. And that’s very important to us. “
Photo DR / Hungarian Consulate
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Relations between France and Hungary are sometimes tumultuous on many subjects. Human rights, immigration, freedom of the press, etc., tensions have increased. How will you take these elements into account in your duties?
“Our two countries have a lot in common. A thousand years of history link our two countries. The destinies of our peoples have often intersected in common history. We must not deny the penetration of French culture within the Hungarian elites through art, literature, science, technology, music. But unfortunately we see too often in the media, criticism of Hungary. It is necessary to explain, correct a lot of things and present a “normal” image of Hungary. There is a whole case of very positive contacts and partnerships that have been established between the two countries, but unfortunately with too little visibility. We too often forget in the commercial field that France remains the fourth largest investor in Hungary, with more than 500 companies located there. This represents nearly 45,000 jobs.
In sectors such as industry, energy, agrifood, pharmaceuticals, distribution or finance, large multinational groups of French origin such as Auchan, Groupama, Valeo, PSA or Michelin are established in Hungary. In recent years, more and more French SMEs or mid-size companies have invested in Hungary. And yet, these great successes are difficult to promote in the media. With France, we share the same vision, within the European Union, on subjects such as climate, nuclear energy and defense. In other areas, our points of view differ, it is true. This can raise difficult exchanges, questions. But precisely, the European authorities are there to allow discussions between Member States. We must strengthen these relations, continue to develop them, improve them and above all make them known. Our two countries have so much to do together. And the image of Hungary in the eyes of the French must change. “
Speaking of images, what is your favorite postcard in Nancy?
“I would like to be original and entrust you with a secret place, but I believe that I will remain in conformity: the Place Stanislas! She is so awesome and radiant all hours of the day and all seasons. I fully understand that the French have chosen to designate it as their favorite monument this year. When I am in this square, I see the balcony of the Town Hall and I cannot help seeing my parents again at their wedding in 1951 and the golden wedding anniversary in 2001. Part of my family history is married to Nancy. “
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