Statement from Sándor Palace

The President of Hungary wishes to emphasise the obvious fact that there is complete national consensus on the profound condemnation of crimes against children and the need for severe punishment of perpetrators, regardless of whether the crime is committed in a community, educational, child protection or correctional institution, or even within the family.

Children are the greatest assets of the nation and society, and therefore those involved in their education and protection deserve every respect and recognition for their responsible work. At the same time, institutions serving children and young people, the organizations that maintain and oversee them—both state and non-state—as well as the staff and decision-makers involved, carry strict professional and legal responsibilities at all levels. The Hungarian legal system provides the appropriate tools to enforce these responsibilities, and these tools function as intended.

In all cases, it is the responsibility of the relevant policy bodies and authorities to take the necessary measures to ensure that crimes are thoroughly investigated, punished with appropriate sanctions and, above all, effectively prevented. Since any kind of sensationalism and incitement of anger towards the authorities and relevant bodies hinders the process of uncovering the truth, a genuine commitment to protecting children and young people requires a calm, responsible and consistent approach from everyone, in particular from those holding public office and actors in public life.

Budapest, 11 December 2025 (Thursday)