The Launch of the Dutch Loan and Those Responsible for It

Abstract

Both the Saint Michael Parish of Cluj Napoca and the entire Diocese of Alba Iulia have been concerned for times with the issue of the loan taken out from the Netherlands. This issue was interpreted in different ways, it was divulged by both the Hungarian and Romanian press, and it also launched a public discussion. Yet, its exact background and focal point were unknown. In this study, I endeavour to present both the background and the protagonists of this delicate issue by exploring the contemporary documents. By taking out the Dutch loan the property of the parish was deposited as a mortgage. The real estate of the parish was administrated by both the parish priest—József Hirschler—and the trustees—Ferenc Nemes and Albert Váradi—with full responsibility.Dutch loan