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.

Instead, their legal status remains unchanged until the election concludes, the candidate withdraws, or — in the event of a successful election — until the mandate is formally certified.

Stricter penalties will apply as well

In addition to political rules, the decree introduces stricter eligibility and disciplinary provisions. In future, individuals whose professional or contracted military service ended due to health or psychological reasons will no longer be permitted to enter into a volunteer reservist relationship.

The regulation also strengthens enforcement of mobilisation obligations. If a reservist fails to comply with their call-up duties twice in succession due to their own fault, their service relationship may be terminated immediately, without the usual grace period.

They try to maintain political neutrality with clearer rules

The Ministry of Defence emphasised that the amendments are part of a broader effort to ensure consistency across military service regulations, while also reflecting the realities of modern life. Officials argue that clearer rules will benefit both the armed forces and reservists by reducing legal uncertainty and reinforcing discipline during active service in Hungary.

While the new decree preserves reservists’ rights to political affiliation in civilian life, it underlines the government’s expectation that military service — even in a voluntary and part-time capacity — requires political neutrality when duties are being performed.