This occasion first and foremost provided a chance to express his gratitude, Mr. Martonyi noted in his speech.Continue reading
On Monday, János Martonyi, lawyer and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, was honored with this year’s prestigious Award for a Civic Hungary by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Ádám Kavecsánszki, of the Civic Hungary Foundation, at a ceremony held in the Royal Guard and Riding Hall in Budapest. János Martonyi is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Friends of Hungary Foundation (publisher of our newspaper and sister site Ungarn Heute).
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán praised Martonyi’s lifelong dedication to making Hungary a sovereign and respected nation, emphasizing that Martonyi’s philosophy has been instrumental in shaping the country’s identity in Europe. He highlighted that Martonyi’s approach to European integration—advocating for the preservation of national identity while embracing European cooperation—has guided Hungary’s foreign policy and contributed significantly to its EU membership.Orbán also drew parallels between Martonyi’s work and the legacy of Hungarian national builders like István Széchenyi and Gyula Andrássy, noting how Martonyi’s efforts have brought Hungary from a marginal position in the world to one of greater respect and influence.
He acknowledged Martonyi’s exceptional role in Hungary’s first EU Presidency, his contribution to the country’s accession to the EU, and his continued commitment to international law and education. The Prime Minister stressed that the former mnister’s influence transcended foreign policy, saying that his efforts were pivotal in transforming Hungary’s political landscape after the fall of communism.
Viktor Orbán. Photo: MTI/Máthé Zoltán
The Award for a Civic Hungary, presented annually for the past two decades, was described by the politician as a reflection of Martonyi’s key role in rebuilding a civil Hungary. He recalled the challenges of 1994, when Fidesz faced a fragmented right-wing, and how Martonyi’s call for unity and the creation of a new civic order set the course for the party’s eventual success in the 1998 elections. “Thanks to János Martonyi’s philosophy,” Orbán said, “we transformed the country after 2010, removing socialist prejudices and building a civil Hungary, which continues to flourish today.”
Martonyi, visibly moved by the honor, reflected on the significance of the word “citizenship” and its role in shaping a unified community.
He explained that being a citizen transcends political categories—it is a moral and spiritual attitude that unites individual interests with the collective good. He expressed his deep gratitude for the award, noting that it was one of the most important moments of his life.
János Martonyi. Photo: MTI/Máthé Zoltán
The Foundation for a Civic Hungary emphasized that Martonyi’s intellectual achievements, particularly in Hungarian jurisprudence and foreign policy, as well as his dedication to fostering future generations of jurists, made him a deserving recipient of the Award for a Civic Hungary.
Via MTI; Featured image via MTI/Máthé Zoltán