Addressing the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Hungarian President Baka András delivered a pointed warning that accountability for past corruption must never devolve into partisan retribution or political weaponization. Reflecting on the democratic transition initiated by the Hungarian electorate earlier in April, Baka outlined a vision for a revitalized public life anchored in the rule of law, independent courts, and institutional transparency.
A Mandate for Democratic Renewal and Institutional Integrity
In his address to the international community, President Baka emphasized that the public mandate secured in April carried expectations far deeper than a mere change of government. Citizens are demanding a fundamental shift in how the state operates, insisting that institutions serve the public rather than exert total control over society.
“That the courts make decisions free from pressure; that the press hold power to account; and that public funds are utilized in the interest of the public good,” Baka stated, summarizing the core tenets of the domestic shift.
While acknowledging that widespread corruption and abuses of power demand rigorous accounting, the president drew a strict line between justice and vengeance. He cautioned that a democratic state cannot remedy past governance failures by repeating those exact missteps under new leadership. The guiding principle, according to the head of state, must be legal uniformity: the exact same laws must apply equally to those who governed yesterday, those in power today, and those who may hold office tomorrow.
Historical Parallels: From the 1956 Revolution to Modern Ukraine
Bridging domestic political transitions with broader international crises, Baka invoked the legacy of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Marking seventy years since Soviet forces crushed the bid for self-determination, he recalled how international appeals failed to prevent defeat, though many nations ultimately opened their doors to refugees fleeing the fallout.
Connecting that historical trauma to the contemporary defense of sovereignty, Baka offered an uncompromising stance on Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Hungary condemns the war as a direct violation of the UN Charter and international law, supporting Ukraine’s inherent right to self-defense within its internationally recognized borders.
He warned that if violent territorial annexation becomes an accepted mechanism for settling disputes, every smaller nation will have legitimate cause for anxiety.
Navigating Migration and Confronting Institutional Challenges at the UN
Turning to global displacement and border security, the Hungarian president drew upon his nation’s own historical experiences with migration while maintaining a firm position on national sovereignty. He asserted that every state retains the fundamental right to protect its borders in strict accordance with international law.
Hungary remains committed to combating illegal migration and the criminal networks that profit from it, Baka explained, while simultaneously upholding human dignity and providing necessary protection to genuine refugees fleeing war or persecution. He also addressed the humanitarian situation in the Middle East, emphasizing that both Israelis and Palestinians must be afforded the security and dignity required to live without the perpetual shadow of fear.
In closing his remarks, Baka directed candid criticism toward the United Nations itself, arguing that the global organization is currently grappling with a severe crisis of confidence. He pointed out that the UN too often fails to act decisively when major powers or their allies breach foundational rules, urging a return to genuine multilateralism and adherence to international norms.
