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.
Kossuth and Széchenyi Prize winners and recipients of the Hungarian Order of Merit honour
Dr. Tamás Sulyok, President of Hungary, presented Kossuth and Széchenyi Prizes and Hungarian Order of Merit honours to Hungarian artists, researchers, scientists and prominent public figures in the Dome Hall of the Parliament on the occasion of the 15 March National Day.
Recipients of the Kossuth Grand Prize:
"Let each of us do what we can for our country, for our countrymen" - Inauguration of the new headquarters of the HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network
We must provide opportunities and support for our scientists to stay in Hungary. This is why the renewal of the national research network, the operation of HUN-REN is a national strategic victory, and the inauguration of its headquarters a recognition of the work of its researchers," said Dr. Tamás Sulyok, President of Hungary, at the opening ceremony of the new headquarters of the HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network.
The Head of State honoured the late Károly Mécs at the funeral ceremony
Dr. Tamás Sulyok, President of Hungary, paid his respects with a floral tribute at the funeral of Károly Mécs, Kossuth and Jászai Mari Prize-winning actor, who passed away at the age of 89.
Károly Mécs appeared in around 150 stage roles during his career. He had dozens of memorable performances in Hungarian cinema and TV films and series. His best-known role was as Richard Baradlay in the film The Sons of the Stone-Hearted Man.
He received numerous awards, including the Kossuth Prize in 2013, the Artist of the Nation title in 2016 and the Kossuth Grand Prize in 2021.
State Secretary appointment ceremony at Sándor Palace
Dr. Tamás Sulyok, the President of Hungary, on the proposal of the Prime Minister, appointed Csaba Gondola as State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy with effect from 1 March 2025.
Strengthening bilateral relations in the spirit of the Opening to the South policy
Dr. Wycliffe Musalia Mudavadi, Minister of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Kenya, was received by Dr. Tamás Sulyok.
The meeting focused on bilateral economic development and energy cooperation opportunities. A common goal was set to further deepen agricultural and educational relations between Hungary and Kenya.
The Foreign Minister briefed the President on the success of Hungarian aid loan-based projects contributing to Kenya's sustainable development. He also stressed that Kenya is open to Hungarian investors.
Sándor Palace will open its doors to visitors on 29 March 2025
As part of its Open Doors Programme, Sándor Palace will open to the public on Saturday, 29 March 2025.
Visits to Sándor Palace are free of charge, but prior registration is required.
For details on participation conditions and registration for the Sándor Palace Open Doors programme, click HERE.
Letters of Credence Ceremony at Sándor Palace
President Tamás Sulyok today received letters of credence from six new ambassadors accredited to Hungary.
Following a diplomatic ceremony at Sándor Palace,
- His Excellency Fedir Fedorovych Shandor, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine,
- His Excellency Mihail Bârbulat, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Moldova,
- His Excellency Maurice Odhiambo Makoloo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kenya,
Capital and County Government Commissioner of Csongrád-Csanád County at Sándor Palace
Dr. Tamás Sulyok, President of Hungary, received László Salgó, Capital and County Government Commissioner of Csongrád-Csanád County, at Sándor Palace.
Dr. Tamás Sulyok hosted the Commissioner for Education Rights
Dr. Lajos Aáry-Tamás was received by Dr. Tamás Sulyok, President of Hungary, at Sándor Palace.
During his visit, the Commissioner for Education Rights summarised the current tasks of the office, and reported on the proceedings awaiting redress and the method of processing them.
Appointment ceremony for the new Governor of the National Bank of Hungary at Sándor Palace
On a proposal by the Prime Minister, Dr. Tamás Sulyok, President of Hungary, appointed Mihály Varga Governor of the National Bank of Hungary.
According to the presidential resolution, the appointment will last for a period of six years, starting on 4 March 2025.
The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Speaker of the Hungarian Parliament László Kövér and Minister of the Chancellery Gergely Gulyás.