Hungary marked its national day on Thursday with a traditional flag-raising and military commissioning ceremony in front of Parliament, as Prime Minister Péter Magyar called on newly sworn officers to remain loyal to Hungary rather than any government or political party.
This year’s 20 August marks Hungary’s 1026 years
The 20 August celebrations, held in Budapest’s Kossuth Square, commemorate the foundation of the Hungarian state and Saint Stephen, Hungary’s first king. The day began with the ceremonial raising of the national flag with full military honours, attended by President András Baka, Prime Minister Péter Magyar and Speaker of Parliament Ágnes Forsthoffer.
The Hungarian Defence Forces’ ceremonial unit raised the flag to the national anthem, accompanied by the central military band and the national mounted ceremonial unit. Government and military officials, members of the diplomatic corps and hundreds of spectators also attended. The flag-raising was followed by the swearing-in and commissioning of newly qualified military officers.
Magyar: building a country takes generations
Addressing the newly commissioned lieutenants, Magyar said Saint Stephen understood that establishing a country was not the result of a single decision, battle or law, but of “years, decades and centuries of persistent work”.
He said the officers’ oath might take only a few moments to recite, while the preparation behind it takes years. Early mornings, repeated exercises, examinations, training and exhaustion are largely invisible from the outside, he noted.
“The preparation takes place in peace; its significance becomes clear in times of trouble,” the prime minister said. Magyar also reflected on Hungary’s military history, describing it as a centuries-old and often painful story containing both victories and defeats. He noted that Hungarian soldiers had at times been forced to bear the consequences of decisions they had not made themselves.
A modern military must defend more than borders
According to Magyar, the role of the Hungarian military has changed significantly since the eras of military figures such as Artúr Görgei, György Klapka and János Damjanich. Modern threats are no longer confined to a country’s borders. Cyber systems, energy supplies, transport networks, communications and other critical infrastructure can also be targeted, he said.
Defending the country therefore requires not only military strength but also technological expertise and the ability to respond rapidly to unexpected situations.
Magyar pointed to the recent deployment of the armed forces at the Paks nuclear power plant amid exceptionally low water levels on the Danube. He said soldiers were still working there not for ceremonial purposes or publicity, but because the country needed them.
He stressed that military service can involve much more than carrying weapons. Soldiers may also build bridges and flood defences, deliver water or help ensure the supply of communities during emergencies. The prime minister said he hoped the greatest achievement of the new generation of officers would be never having to fight a war.
“Serve Hungary, not a political side”
One of the strongest messages in Magyar’s speech concerned the political neutrality of the armed forces. He told the officers that, in a functioning country, a soldier should serve the homeland rather than a political side. Governments come and go, he said, but Hungary remains.
Consequently, the military oath is not an oath to a government, prime minister or political party, but to Hungary and the Hungarian people.
“Do not always agree with me,” Magyar told the newly commissioned officers, asking instead that they become good and loyal soldiers of the country, good professionals, law-abiding members of the armed forces and protectors of the people.
He added that if they ever faced a moment when a difficult decision had to be made, Hungary’s interests should come first. A strong country, he argued, needs strong institutions rather than merely obedient ones, and strong institutions require people of strong character.
Defence minister highlights duty and sacrifice
Defence Minister Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi also addressed the officers before their oath. He said the words of a military oath do not become important on the day they are spoken, but when keeping them becomes difficult.
Ruszin-Szendi highlighted the work of Hungarian troops in a range of situations, from the response at Paks and firefighting and water distribution to international missions in the Balkans and North Africa.
Military service, he stressed, can require significant personal sacrifice because soldiers must also be prepared for unexpected situations. He also noted that he could not remember the last time a prime minister had addressed the nation’s armed forces at the state ceremony.
Climate resilience also features in 20 August message
The national day was also used to address Hungary’s broader challenges. Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony said Hungary was facing increasingly severe heat, drought and water-related risks. He described the unusually low level of the Danube and the summer’s extreme heat and drought as signs that climate change is already affecting everyday life.
Karácsony argued that extreme heat, prolonged drought and sudden flooding could increasingly become the new normal, with consequences for agriculture, housing, transport, health and social conditions.
He called for continuous adaptation and stronger resilience across Hungary, particularly in Budapest, and said green policy should be viewed not simply as an ideology but as a practical response to the challenges posed by climate change.
Viktor Orbán posted a short message on social media
Meanwhile, former prime minister and Fidesz leader Viktor Orbán marked the national holiday on Facebook with a short video and a brief message: “We were, we are, we will be. Happy birthday, Hungary.”
The different messages nevertheless shared a common theme: 20 August remains a day centred on the endurance, protection and future of the Hungarian state — and on the people expected to carry that responsibility into the next generation.
Read also: PM Magyar’s first 100 days — Success or failure for Hungary?
