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.
Tamás Sulyok welcomed the Chairman of China’s National People’s Congress
President Tamás Sulyok received Zhao Leji, Chairman of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China, who is on an official visit to Hungary, at the Róheim Villa in Budapest.
The parties agreed that relations between the two countries have a long history and are currently at their best.
The Head of State congratulated the Chinese people on their outstanding economic achievements.
A historic moment – The Hungarian Head of State welcomes the President of the United Arab Emirates
Dr. Tamás Sulyok, President of Hungary, welcomed Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, with military honours at Kossuth Square.
Following the ceremonial reception, the two presidents and their delegations held official talks in the Hunting Room of the Parliament.
During the meeting, the parties agreed that Hungary and the United Arab Emirates share the common goal of deepening bilateral relations based on mutual respect and trust.
Justice served is the eternal benchmark of the judicial profession
Independent administration of justice is an indispensable element of our democratic, constitutional state, said President Tamás Sulyok.
At a ceremony organised by the National Office for the Judiciary to mark Courts Day, the President emphasised in his speech that "the legally regulated functioning of the courts is a fundamental constitutional value and a guarantee of equality before the law for citizens."
Head of State nominates new ombudsman
Due to the election of Dr. Ákos Kozma as a constitutional judge, the position of Commissioner for Fundamental Rights became vacant. In accordance with his powers under the Fundamental Law, President Tamás Sulyok, after consulting with representatives of the legal profession, nominated Dr. Imre Juhász, former constitutional judge, retired president of the Constitutional Court, and lecturer at the Department of Civil Procedure Law at ELTE University, as the candidate for the position of Commissioner for Fundamental Rights.
Forward-looking and substantive talks – Head of State visits Slovakia
During his official visit to Pozsony, President Tamás Sulyok met with Slovak Head of State Peter Pellegrini, Speaker of the National Council of the Slovak Republic Richard Raši, and Prime Minister Robert Fico.
In his press statement following the meeting with the Slovak Head of State, President Tamás Sulyok emphasised that our common goal is to continuously give substance to a good-neighbourly relationship based on mutual trust, even in the face of the challenges of the 21st century.
President Tamás Sulyok travels to Slovakia on an official visit
On Thursday, 3 July 2025, President Tamás Sulyok will travel to Slovakia on an official visit.
The Hungarian head of state will be received in Pozsony by Slovak President Peter Pellegrini. Following a private meeting between the two heads of state and talks between the delegations, the two presidents will make a press statement.
The Hungarian President will meet with Richard Raši, Speaker of the Slovak National Council, and then hold talks with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
Hungarian scholarship holders preparing for a career in public administration on a visit to the Head of State
Students of the 15th anniversary year of the Hungarian Public Administration Scholarship Programme visited Sándor Palace.
The students were treated to a series of introductory lectures by senior staff from Sándor Palace’s Directorate for Social and International Relations and the Directorate for Human Resource Management.
After a tour of the historic rooms of Sándor Palace, they met and had an informal discussion with Dr. Tamás Sulyok, the President of Hungary.
Appointment to the rank of general at Sándor Palace
Dr. Tamás Sulyok, President of Hungary, on a proposal by the Minister of Defence, appointed Colonel Zoltán Gábor Bárány to the rank of brigadier general effective from 25 June 2025.
The head of state wished the newly appointed general every success in his new role.
Appointment of rectors at Sándor Palace
President of Hungary Tamás Sulyok handed over appointments to the position of rector at Sándor Palace.
On the proposal of the Minister of Culture and Innovation, in agreement with the maintainer of the institution concerned, the President of Hungary appointed
• Professor Dr. Csilla Zsuzsanna Obádovics as rector at Kodolányi János University, for the period from 15 February 2025 to 31 December 2029,
Appointment of a State Secretary at Sándor Palace
Dr. Tamás Sulyok, the President of Hungary, on the proposal of the Prime Minister, appointed Anita Kiss-Hegyi as State Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Innovation, with effect from 15 June 2025.
At the ceremony held at Sándor Palace, the Head of State wished the new State Secretary good endeavours and success.