Tensions Rise at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences as Major Assembly Kicks Off

The 199th General Assembly of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA), marking the institution’s 200th anniversary, commenced today without the presence of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. This absence highlights growing tensions between the Prime Minister and the MTA, which surfaced nearly two months ago when members adopted a resolution condemning Orbán’s remarks during a national holiday speech on March 15.

In his address, Orbán characterized certain groups as "bugs," claiming they have corrupted the political landscape with "corrupt dollars." This language has provoked a strong backlash from opposition members, who accused the Prime Minister of dehumanizing rhetoric. The IX Division of the MTA publicly stated that Orbán’s potential attendance could lead to mass protests, prompting his decision to skip the assembly.

Critics of the MTA’s leadership are voicing concerns over its political orientation and alleged complacency. Economics professor Csaba Lentner, in an opinion piece for Index, questioned the integrity of academia’s engagement with politics. He noted that despite their criticism of the government, many academics have accepted state-funded positions and honors. "Why do they not take the example of the Széchenyi Academy of Literature and Arts, who have expressed their opposition by renouncing all state funding?" Lentner asked.

Lentner argues that the MTA has strayed from its founding principles laid out by István Széchenyi, which emphasize the importance of scientific freedom and objectivity. He specifically criticized academics in economics and law for their perceived political bias and subpar scientific contributions.

He highlighted the MTA’s dependency on state funding as a factor that should compel its members to prioritize quality research free from political affiliations. "Many modern academics cling to outdated, politically influenced methods, hindering the potential for innovative ideas to emerge," he asserted.

Lentner’s article pointed to low international publication rates and minimal citations from Hungarian academics, suggesting an overall decline in scientific output and effectiveness. He posited that the lingering influence of the neoliberal economic model, once championed by these scholars, continues to obstruct new ideas and young researchers, further complicating Hungary’s socio-economic policy landscape.

In conclusion, Lentner calls for a reevaluation of the MTA’s functions and advocates for a suspension of budget support for honoraria, suggesting that this could facilitate the emergence of genuinely talented academics within the institution.

As the MTA assembles to celebrate its bicentennial, the ongoing friction with government policy and the quest for academic integrity remains at the forefront of discussions surrounding its future.

Sources: Answer Online, Index; Featured Image: Wikipedia

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