Hungary’s president urges rule of law, warns against using justice as a political weapon

President Andrish Balind Baka told the United Nations General Assembly that restoring trust in Hungary requires a durable commitment to legal limits on power and institutional independence. Drawing on his experience as a judge, including work at the European Court of Human Rights, Baka said his administration will "protect the constitution, the freedom of our institutions, and the dignity of every Hungarian citizen."

Baka said the people voted in April for "democratic renewal" and expect more than a change of government: they expect courts that decide without pressure and a press that challenges power. He warned that there must be accountability for corruption and abuse, but cautioned against using the justice system for political retribution: "There must be accountability for corruption and abuse of power. But there must be no revenge." The speech framed Hungary’s domestic reforms as necessary to rebuild trust with international partners.