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.
Dr. Tamás Sulyok's letter of greeting to the Franciscan Jubilee Conference entitled "Discernment and Understanding, oh Lord!"
I respectfully and warmly greet the speakers and participants of the conference!
Our event encompasses two celebrations. The first is connected to St. Francis, one of the most influential saints in the Christian world, and his followers. The second is connected to the intellectual workshop that, combining the collective knowledge of the Hungarian monastic orders, became the primary educational institution for young people who had found their monastic vocation and for believers who wished to educate themselves in a monastic spiritual milieu.
Croatia is a close and important ally in numerous respects
President Tamás Sulyok received Croatian President Zoran Milanović at Sándor Palace, where they discussed further opportunities for developing cooperation between the two countries. In his press statement after the meeting, the Hungarian Head of State emphasised that Croatia and Hungary are close and important allies.
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.
Dr. Tamás Sulyok, President of Hungary, visited the Laser Research Centre in Szeged
Dr. Tamás Sulyok, Head of State, speaking at an event organised by the Research Students Movement, of which he is the patron, told young people visiting the ELI-ALPS Laser Research Centre in Szeged that "the Szeged Research Centre is the driving force behind the development of laser technology".
"The future is born here," emphasised Dr. Tamás Sulyok, adding that Hungary is proud that ELI-ALPS operates in our country and that scientists from many countries around the world come here to conduct their research projects.
The First Lady of Hungary visits Károli Gáspár Reformed University
On Social Work Day, Dr. Tamás Sulyok, President of Hungary and First Lady Zsuzsanna Nagy visited the Faculty of Economics, Health Sciences and Social Sciences at Károli Gáspár Reformed University.
During the visit, the First Lady gained insight into the education of helping professionals and met fourteen students studying social work, social pedagogy, diaconal studies, and nursing and patient care.
Diplomatic event hosted by Sándor Palace showcasing Hungarian folk art
First Lady of Hungary Zsuzsanna Nagy invited the spouses of the members of the Diplomatic Corps to a cultural programme.
After the First Lady’s welcome address delivered on the stage of the Hungarian Heritage House, the guests were treated to a performance by the Forrás Folk Dance Ensemble from Százhalombatta.
After the folk dance panorama presented by the ensemble, the young dancers invited the audience to join in the dancing.
Appointment of university professors at Sándor Palace
Dr. Tamás Sulyok, President of Hungary, on a proposal by the Minister for Culture and Innovation, in agreement with the maintainer, as of 1 September 2025, appointed the following individuals as university professors:
• Walter Grünzweig at the Andrássy Gyula German Language University in Budapest,
• Dr. István Nagy at the Vilmos Apor Catholic College,
• Dr. Erdeiné Dr. Szilvia Késmárki-Gally at Budapest Metropolitan University,
"Let music belong to everyone!" (Zoltán Kodály)
According to President Tamás Sulyok, one of the basic requirements for excellent music education is to provide high-quality instruments and equipment for future artists to practise on.
Fortitudo et humanitas – Courage and humanity
President Tamás Sulyok honoured two extraordinary, courageous and respectable young people with the Presidential Gold Medal of Merit.
This summer, while surfing in the Aegean Sea, Iset Segura of Spain and Anastasios Gkaripis of Greece spotted a Hungarian girl and her father drifting kilometres from the shore. Without hesitation, they rushed to their aid, saving their lives.
According to the Head of State, their actions are a great example of humanity, heroism and selflessness.
Meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the Second World Summit for Social Development
The events of recent years in global politics and the increase in the number of armed conflicts have reinforced the importance of a strong, decisive and effective organisation, said Tamás Sulyok after meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the Second World Summit on Social Development. According to the President of Hungary, the 80-year history of the UN is proof that multilateral diplomacy is not just a noble idea, but one of the most important international means of achieving peace, security and prosperity.