Hungary’s newly appointed Defence Minister, Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi, has announced an additional ten days of leave for defence personnel and pledged major reforms within the Hungarian Armed Forces, including salary reviews, anti-corruption measures and the possible return of dismissed soldiers.

In a video uploaded to his Facebook page on Thursday, Ruszin-Szendi signed a ministerial decree granting an extra ten days of leave to defence staff. He also declared 21–22 May 2026 service-free days for the entire personnel of the Hungarian Defence Forces in celebration of Hungary’s Defence Day.

Historic military names to return

The minister also announced that the former Petőfi Sándor barracks on Budaörsi Road — currently named after Maria Theresa — will officially regain its previous name on Friday. In addition, military units across the country will be given the opportunity to restore their historic names and original military numbering.

In the video, Ruszin-Szendi stressed that “not simply a new minister” had arrived at the Ministry of Defence, but “a soldier returning to his comrades”. Recalling more than three decades of military service, he said the most important element of national defence was not technology, buildings or rank, but “the Hungarian soldier”.

“A new era begins”

“From today, a new era begins in which the soldier once again becomes the focus,” the minister said. He argued that many personnel had felt neglected in recent years and that politics, appearances and personal interests had taken precedence over the appreciation of service members.

“I did not come to exercise power, but to serve,” he said, adding that his work would focus on active soldiers, reservists, cadets, defence employees and retired military personnel who had dedicated their lives to Hungary.

Ruszin-Szendi emphasised that “there is no strong homeland without strong defence, and no strong defence without respected people”.

Salary reform and return of dismissed soldiers

The new minister pledged a review of the military pay system and promised to address wage disparities. He also vowed to eliminate distinctions between administrative and operational soldiers and announced plans for a comprehensive military career model in the coming months.

According to Ruszin-Szendi, soldiers removed during previous “rejuvenation” and “political purge” efforts would be given the opportunity to return to the armed forces.

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Investigations into major related cases

The minister further revealed that he would review official records and documentation related to what he described as the “most serious cases” of recent years. Among the issues highlighted were the hand grenade accident, the cyberattack against Hungary’s Defence Procurement Agency, and matters concerning the MiG-29 fighter aircraft.

He promised continuous public updates and said new investigations would be launched where necessary, including into defence procurement deals and the privatisation of the industry.

“Money allocated to national defence must not serve private interests — only the security of the Hungarian people and the interests of soldiers,” he stated.

Zero tolerance for corruption

Ruszin-Szendi declared “zero tolerance” for corruption and self-interest within the sector, promising to build a “modern and combat-ready” military that Hungarians could once again be proud of, and in which soldiers would “wear the uniform with pride once more”.

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