László Kövér’s speech last year, in which he named the opposition the greatest national security risk Hungary faces, had no impact on the operation of the secret services, according to a response from the Constitution Protection Office sent to Direkt36.
As we also reported, a controversial speech made by László Kövér has been unveiled. On February 28, 2020, László Kövér spoke behind closed doors at the Constitution Protection Office to current and former officials of Hungarian national security, on the 30th anniversary of the Special Service for National Security. The Speaker of the National Assembly told officials of Hungarian national security that the greatest national security risk Hungary faces lies within its political elite. He argued that the opposition “operates in a tradition of a self-sacrificial statehood and self-destructive nation politics.” The Fidesz supporter also said that “laws and institutions are important, but in times of crisis, character, values, and loyalty are paramount.” A recording of the speech was accessed and reported by investigative news outlet Direkt36.
Since the speech has been made public, politicians and parties have begun to react. The latest reaction came from the Ministry of the Interior, which oversees the Constitutional Protection Office, who sent the following statement to Direkt36:
The national security services, including the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, perform their duties in accordance with the Constitution of Hungary and the relevant sectoral legislation. The governance of their activities is clear, explicit, and unambiguous. The staff of the services do not have to interpret or comment on any ceremonial speeches or public statements, and must carry out their activities in accordance with their oath.”
Featured image via Dávid Pólya-Pető/Press Office of the National Assembly
