Government of National Unity, Wartime government office in Budapest, Hungary.
The Government of National Unity was an administration led by the Arrow Cross regime that ruled over German-occupied Hungary from October 1944 until May 1945. It operated from central Budapest and attempted to establish state control over remaining Hungarian territories.
This administration arose after a coup in which Nazi forces and the Arrow Cross movement removed Regent Miklós Horthy in October 1944. It represented the final phase of occupation until Soviet forces reached Budapest in 1945.
The government introduced strict nationalist policies that affected all aspects of Hungarian society, implementing new regulations for citizens between ages 12 and 70.
The location sits in downtown Budapest and served as the administrative center during the occupation period. Visitors should explore the area on foot to fully grasp the historical buildings and their positions.
While this administration governed, foreign diplomats such as Raoul Wallenberg and Carl Lutz established protected buildings in Budapest to shield inhabitants from persecution. These courageous actions saved thousands of lives and demonstrated humanitarian resistance during a dark period.
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