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.
Katalin Novák visited a kindergarten and school rebuilt with Hungarian support
During her visit to Ukraine, President of Hungary Katalin Novák visited the village of Zahalci, where a kindergarten and school building, which suffered significant damage in the fighting, is being rebuilt with the support of the Hungarian government and the coordination of the Hungarian Ecumenical Aid Organisation.
One-on-one meeting with President Zelensky
Following the third summit of the Crimea Platform, Katalin Novák and President Zelensky agreed in their private meeting:
1. To establish a direct presidential communication channel, as befits neighbours;
2. To start preparing a new document on relations between the two countries.
3. Hungary will be involved in the negotiations on the peace formula initiated by the Ukrainian President.
Cooperation on children affected by the war will be given priority.
Katalin Novák at the Third Summit of the Crimea Platform in Kyiv
On the second day of her visit to Ukraine, President Katalin Novák attended the third summit of the Crimea Platform in Kyiv at the invitation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, where she also made a contribution.
The President of Hungary said: war cannot take away the future of children!
At the international forum, where she was present together with the Ukrainian, Portuguese and Lithuanian presidents, among others, the Hungarian Head of State again called for peace.
Feast of King St Stephen in Transcarpathia
President of Hungary Katalin Novák commemorated King St Stephen with the Hungarian community in Transcarpathia in the Roman Catholic Church of Beregszász. At the ecumenical worship service, the bread personally baked by the Head of State on the occasion of the national holiday was blessed and consecrated.
Protecting families and Christian roots
Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of all Africa Tawadros II paid an apostolic visit to President of Hungary Katalin Novák at Sándor Palace.
During their talks, both parties agreed that their goals are common: the protection of Christian roots and the family.
On St Stephen’s Day, Tawadros II participated in the Procession of the Holy Right Hand and also watched the celebratory fireworks display.
Diplomatic talks with the Emir of Qatar
President of Hungary Katalin Novák received the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Sándor Palace.
The discussions focused on cooperation opportunities between Hungary and Qatar.
The Emir of Qatar invited the President of Hungary on a reciprocal visit, who accepted the invitation.
Meeting of Presidents
President of Hungary Katalin Novák conducted talks with President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Türkiye is not just an important ally, but also a strategic partner for Hungary. The two presidents consulted about efforts for peace.
Feast of King St Stephen, the founder of the Hungarian state - 2023
On the morning of the Feast of King Saint Stephen, the founder of the state, 166 officers took the oath of allegiance in Budapest, in the presence of President of Hungary Katalin Novák, after the ceremonial raising of the flag of Hungary. The officers swore an oath to defend the independence of their country and the rights and freedom of Hungarians even if it costs them their life. The Head of State wished the soldiers strength and good health so that they can remain loyal to their oath.
Katalin Novák's speech on St. Stephen's Day in Esztergom
"Where are you, King Stephen?" asks Mihály Babits in his poem The City of the Holy King.
Where are you now, King Stephen, when we need you? – we are asking the same question.
King Stephen is here with us.