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Janos Martonyi Honored with Award for Civic Hungary
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Janos Martonyi, was recently honored with the prestigious Award for a Civic Hungary by Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Adam Kavecsanszki, Managing Director of the Civic Hungary Foundation. The ceremony took place in Budapest at the Royal Guard and Riding Hall.
During the ceremony, Prime Minister Viktor Orban applauded Martonyi’s lifelong dedication to enhancing Hungary’s sovereignty and reputation on the global stage. He emphasized Martonyi’s influential role in shaping Hungary’s identity within Europe, particularly through his approach to European integration which balances national identity with cooperation.
Orban also likened Martonyi’s accomplishments to those of Hungarian national builders such as Istvan Szechenyi and Gyula Andrassy, noting the significant transformation that Martonyi has brought to Hungary’s international standing.
Martonyi’s contributions to Hungary’s EU membership, his role in the country’s first EU Presidency, and his commitment to international law and education were all highlighted by the Prime Minister. Orban emphasized that Martonyi’s impact extended beyond foreign policy and played a crucial part in reshaping Hungary’s political landscape following the end of communism.
The Award for a Civic Hungary, presented annually by the Civic Hungary Foundation, was described as a testament to Martonyi’s efforts in rebuilding a civil society within Hungary. Orban praised Martonyi for his leadership in fostering unity within the country, which ultimately led to the success of the Fidesz party in the 1998 elections.
Visibly moved by the honor, Martonyi reflected on the significance of citizenship in building a cohesive community. He expressed gratitude for the award, calling it one of the most important moments of his life.
The Foundation for a Civic Hungary recognized Martonyi’s intellectual achievements in jurisprudence and foreign policy, as well as his dedication to nurturing future generations of legal scholars. Martonyi, born in 1944 in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, has had a distinguished career in law and politics, serving as Hungary’s foreign minister under two separate terms.
Overall, the Award for a Civic Hungary serves as a fitting tribute to Martonyi’s contributions to Hungary’s development and international standing, highlighting his unwavering commitment to the country and its people.
