Address by Dr András Baka, President of Hungary, at the opening ceremony of the 9th International Congress of Hungarian Studies
Distinguished Congress, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to the opening of the IX International Congress of Hungarian Studies. Throughout the several decades of the congress’s history, it has become a cherished tradition for the incumbent President of Hungary to serve as patron of this prestigious academic event. At the beginning of my term of office, I am honoured to continue this tradition, thereby also expressing the Hungarian State’s appreciation for the international community of Hungarian studies.
Speech by Dr András Baka, President of Hungary, on 20 August 2026 on M1 Public Television
My fellow Hungarians,
On 20 August, we commemorate the founding of the Hungarian state by Saint Stephen - a recognition that a country’s future is shaped not only by its leaders, but also by strong, enduring institutions.
Today, we too must build such institutions: institutions that serve not the powers of the day, but the citizens of our country. For the quality of a state is ultimately reflected in how well the institutions function that its citizens encounter in their everyday lives.
Public service media is one such institution.
Speech by Dr András Baka, President of Hungary, at the 20 August National Day State Honours Ceremony
Honourable Madam Speaker,
Honourable Prime Minister,
Distinguished Honourees,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Statement from Sándor Palace
András Baka, President of Hungary, received Dr István Lajtár, Deputy Prosecutor General, at the Presidential Palace.
The meeting was initiated by the Head of State, as the term of office of Prosecutor General Dr Gábor Bálint Nagy comes to an end today following his resignation. The President of Hungary shall nominate a candidate for the position of Prosecutor General to the National Assembly.
Statement from Sándor Palace - Dr András Baka takes office as President of Hungary
President of Hungary Dr Andras Baka took office on 19 August 2026.
The Speaker of the National Assembly calls the leaders of the Government and the parliamentary parties to a meeting
The extreme heatwave affecting Hungary, the critically low water levels in the Danube, the resulting need to shut down the nuclear power plant, and the Level 3 water restrictions in force in several localities have created an exceptional situation that requires coordinated and immediate action.
The Speaker of the National Assembly held talks at Sándor Palace
The Speaker of the National Assembly, who is temporarily exercising the duties and powers of the Head of State, held talks with the former President of Hungary at Sándor Palace.
Following the meeting between Ágnes Forsthoffer and Dr Tamás Sulyok, the Speaker of the National Assembly met with staff at Sándor Palace during a staff meeting.
The President of Hungary at the 130th Anniversary Gala of the Hungarian Olympic Committee
Dr. Tamás Sulyok, President of Hungary, greeted the Olympic community celebrating the 130th anniversary of the Hungarian Olympic Committee at the Museum of Fine Arts.
In his speech, the Head of State stated: "For us Hungarians, sport is a real community-building force, as knowledge, enthusiasm and passion are passed on from generation to generation”.
According to the President, the founding of the Hungarian Olympic Committee 130 years ago created a national resource that has given and continues to give Hungarian sport a strong foundation and sense of confidence.
According to President Sulyok, the Szeged Cathedral and Dome Square represent a special value in the life and thought of the nation
At the unveiling of the stele marking the declaration of the Szeged Cathedral and the square as a national memorial on the 150th anniversary of the birth of Kuno Klebelsberg, Dr. Tamás Sulyok stated that "The sky-high Cathedral and the huge square have grown dear to our hearts, the hearts of the people of Szeged." The square embodies sacredness, science and culture all at once. The height of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Hungary commands respect.
“Neither democracy nor the rule of law can be based on threats.” – Interview with Dr. Tamás Sulyok in the German political science journal ’Cicero’
Mr. President, do you feel at home in your role as the Hungarian Head of State?
To be President of Hungary, to serve and represent every Hungarian citizen, is a tremendous honour – perhaps the greatest any Hungarian can receive. It is a responsible and undoubtedly very rewarding role, though naturally one that comes with its own challenges.
"Even the appearance of solutions that do not respect the rule of law must be avoided" - Interview with Tamás Sulyok, President of Hungary
Have you ever regretted a decision you made?
I cannot recall any decision that I have regretted. At most, such things may have occurred in minor, everyday matters. The past becomes part of life. I generally focus more on the present than the past, and I am shaping the future through my plans.
In one of your first interviews as head of state, you said you didn’t hesitate for long when you were asked to become President of Hungary. Have you not regretted your decision?
"Every Hungarian feels with you and stands with you" – interview with Dr. Tamás Sulyok, President of Hungary, by Kárpátalja
As Advent 2025 drew to a close, Tamás Sulyok, President of Hungary, addressed the Hungarian community in Transcarpathia, as he gave an exclusive interview to Karolina Darcsi, Editor-in-Chief of the weekly newspaper Kárpátalja, and Mihály K. Debreceni, Editor-in-Chief of TV21 Ungvár and correspondent for Hungary’s public media in Transcarpathia. The conversation touched on the urgent need for peace, Hungary's assistance, the case of József Sebestyén, and the superhuman work of Hungarian interest groups in Transcarpathia.
Heads of State meet on Hungarian–Polish Friendship Day in Przemyśl and Budapest
On the occasion of Hungarian-Polish Friendship Day, the Hungarian President, visiting Poland, was received by Polish Head of State Karol Nawrocki with a military salute in front of the Town Hall in Przemyśl. In his press statement following the plenary session, Dr. Tamás Sulyok emphasised that Hungarian-Polish friendship is based on a shared historical destiny and is a value that transcends the political situation of the day. “Hungarian-Polish friendship is a special relationship dating back several centuries, nourished by a shared historical destiny and Christian roots.”
Dr. Tamás Sulyok met with alumni members at this year’s gathering of the Harvard Club of Hungary
Dr. Tamás Sulyok, President of Hungary, was the patron of the Harvard CEE Retreat, a gathering of Harvard alumni from Central and Eastern Europe.
The aim of the event was to strengthen academic, intellectual and personal ties, as well as to reinforce the role of the Harvard community in the region’s academic, social and public life.
The President of Argentina pays a visit to Sándor Palace
Javier Milei became the first Argentine Head of State to visit Budapest, where he was received by Dr. Tamás Sulyok, President of Hungary, at Sándor Palace.
The Hungarian Head of State emphasised: ‘The independent decision-making of nations strengthens stability and cooperation based on mutual respect.’
During their talks, they agreed on the importance of representing and asserting national interests on the international stage and in multilateral forums.
László Bölöni receives a state award
László Bölöni, a footballer who won the European Cup as a player, represented the Romanian national team, and later became a renowned head coach, received the Gold Medal of Merit from the President of Hungary on 19 March at the Sándor Palace. Dr Tamás Sulyok, President of Hungary, highlighted in his laudatory speech that during his career László Bölöni had evolved from player to internationally recognised coach, achieving significant success in several countries and becoming a defining figure in European football for decades.
Dr. Tamás Sulyok, President of Hungary, attends the 35th anniversary conference of the Hungarian Competition Authority
In his opening address at the conference organised by the Hungarian Competition Authority, the Head of State emphasised that “the Competition Authority plays an indispensable role in the domestic legal system, safeguarding fair competition and taking action against market abuses”.
President Dr. Tamás Sulyok pointed out: “The Competition Authority is an institution whose work yields tangible results and which has made a significant contribution to the enforcement of fair competition in Hungary.”
The Head of State appoints the President of the Hungarian Competition Authority
Dr. Tamás Sulyok, President of Hungary, appointed Csaba Balázs Rigó as President of the Hungarian Competition Authority, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
According to the Head of State’s decision, the appointment takes effect on 15 April 2026 and is for a term of six years.
The Head of State wished the new President of the Competition Authority every success in his work.
Reception for custodians of military tradition at Sándor Palace
Dr. Tamás Sulyok, President of Hungary, received custodians of military tradition at Sándor Palace, who, through their dedicated work, help ensure that the values and historical heritage of Hungary’s past remain accessible and tangible for future generations.
They preserve with passion and respect everything that connects the Hungarian people to their shared past and their nation.
Promotions and appointments to the rank of general at Sándor Palace
On the occasion of our national holiday, President of Hungary Dr. Tamás Sulyok – on a recommendation by the Minister of Defence and with effect from 14 February 2026
– promoted Major General Sándor Fucsku, Hungary’s former military attaché in Berlin, to the rank of Lieutenant General.
Historic visit to Kézdivásárhely on the Day Hungarian Freedom and Unity
“15 March is the celebration of freedom and the unity of the Hungarian people,” emphasised Dr. Tamás Sulyok, President of Hungary, on 15 March 2026 in Kézdivásárhely at the ceremony marking the anniversary of the 1848–49 Revolution and War of Independence in . In his address, the Head of State highlighted that on this day, Hungarians living in different parts of the world “speak with one voice and think as one” under the national colours. A shared past and shared values unite the Hungarian people, regardless of where they live.
National flag-raising ceremony in front of the Parliament Building on 15 March
In the presence of Dr. Tamás Sulyok, President of Hungary, the Hungarian national flag was raised with military honours on the morning of 15 March 2026 in Budapest, on Kossuth Lajos Square, in front of the Parliament Building.
Lieutenant General Gábor Böröndi, Chief of the Defence Staff, also attended the ceremony.
The event featured performances by the Hungarian Defence Forces Central Band and the Honour Guard of the 32nd Guard Regiment.