Hungary bans reservist soldiers’ engagement in political activities

New regulations governing Hungary’s volunteer reservist soldiers have come into force, clarifying when and how they may engage in political activities while serving in the Hungarian Defence Forces.

Hungary tightens rule for reservist soldiers

According to a decree published in the Magyar Közlöny on 22 January, Hungary’s Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky amended several rules affecting the exercise of fundamental rights by volunteer reservists.

The changes were first reported by 24.hu. The Ministry of Defence said the aim of the revision was to harmonise existing legislation on military service, adapt to changing life circumstances, and make the rules clearer and easier to apply in practice.

No political affiliation allowed on display

One of the most notable elements of the new regulation concerns political involvement. Under the updated rules, the Hungarian Defence Forces may not prohibit volunteer reservists from being members of political parties or other politically oriented organisations. However, strict limits apply while they are performing actual military service.

During periods of active duty, reservists are no longer allowed to exercise rights stemming from their political memberships, nor may they engage in any form of political activity. The decree explicitly states that while on duty, volunteer reservists must remain politically neutral, even if they otherwise hold party membership.

The regulation also clarifies the status of reservists who decide to run for public office in Hungary. Being officially registered as a candidate in parliamentary, European Parliament, mayoral, municipal or minority self-government elections does not automatically suspend or terminate a reservist’s service relationship.