I don’t keep a close tab on the activities of János Martonyi, Hungary’s foreign minister, because he has become truly irrelevant. He didn’t have much to say about foreign affairs even before June 2012 when he became formally subordinate to Péter Szijjártó, a thirty-four-year-old with no diplomatic experience whatsoever. Péter Szijjártó’s fame lies in his total subservience and devotion to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán; he always had a ready answer to any criticism of his boss or his government. The opposition referred to him as the head of the Fidesz parrot commandos.
I don’t know what it must be like to be supervised by someone half your age whom you most likely consider a dolt. I think that it would be a mighty awkward position to be in. Especially when you realize that you simply don’t matter.
One really wonders by now what János Martonyi actually believes in. Does he believe in Euro-Atlantic integration? He talks about it a great deal, yet he remains the foreign minister of a country whose prime minister wages war against the European Union in the name of sovereignty and talks about a “strategic alliance” with communist China.
It was back in March when I first noticed a call for Martonyi’s resignation. Gyula Magasdi, in an opinion piece in Népszava, called upon Martonyi to resign because his position in the government had become indefensible. Naturally, Martonyi didn’t accommodate.
He also didn’t resign during his tenure as foreign minister in the first Orbán government although he had plenty reason to do so even then. At that time it was his undersecretary Zsolt Németh who was running the show, and Németh’s ideas on foreign policy often ran counter to those of Martonyi. Even then he was running around trying to mend fences with the United States and the EU countries. At the end of four years Hungary had strained relations with all her neighbors and the world at large.
But it seems that Martonyi served Viktor Orbán’s purposes well because it was Martonyi whom Orbán mentioned first as an absolutely certain choice for a cabinet post. Even before he took the oath of office he was sent to Slovakia to negotiate on behalf of Hungary.
Martonyi was a successful civil servant during the Kádár regime as well as during the government of József Antall and Péter Boross (1990-1994). After MDF lost the elections and the socialists and liberals formed a government Martonyi joined the international firm of Baker and McKenzie (1994-1998 and 2002-2009). By now the firm in Hungary is called Martonyi and Kajtár Baker & McKenzie. He is a very wealthy man.
János Martonyi / Wikipedia
More than two years ago, in May 2010, I drew a portrait of János Martonyi. In that post I said something to the effect that Martonyi was a lousy foreign minister. Today the situation is worse. He is no more than a figurehead. The only thing I don’t understand is how it is that his foreign contacts still believe in him. What is in this man that is so reassuring? Perhaps his gentlemanly upbringing and diplomatic experience is a welcome change from the boorish behavior of people like Viktor Orbán, János Lázár, Péter Szijjártó, Gyula Budai, and the rest. But surely this shouldn’t be enough. Yet some people still trust János Martonyi, who seems to be little bothered about his lack of control over foreign policy. He keeps going on with his ridiculous explanations of events that cannot be convincingly explained.
Three days before the release of Ramil Safarov to Azerbaijan, on August 28, János Martonyi in an interview on Magyar Rádió announced that “issuing Turkish or Azeri bonds is not an alternative for Hungary…. We need an agreement with the the IMF and the EU.” I suspect that the Foreign Ministry wasn’t even aware of the negotiations with Azerbaijan that were conducted through the Ministry of Administration and Justice. Martonyi himself didn’t say a word about the case until September 5 after he returned from Switzerland, but then as is his wont he immediately defended the government. Although on August 28 he talked about a financial deal with Azerbaijan, by September 5 he tried to convince the world that the release of the Azeri officer “had nothing to do with finances.”
Way before Martonyi said a word about the Safarov affair, however, the opposition was demanding his resignation. The most potent call came from Szabolcs Kerék Bárczy, formerly spokesman for MDF and subordinate of János Martonyi during the first Orbán administration. Kerék Bárczy remembers him as a man of independence and great intelligence with an excellent sense of humor. But why did Martonyi support the “robbery of the private pension funds and the new constitution, why did he support the appointments of ambassadors who are not fit for their posts, and why is he watching in silence the country’s economic and political downfall?” Martonyi should give a signal, perhaps even with his resignation, that something has gone very wrong. Kerék Bárczy simply cannot imagine that without any outside pressure Martonyi can support this regime. What does he have in mind? Perhaps Martonyi’s past as an informer?
It was a powerful piece of writing but it looks as if Kerék Bárczy misjudged János Martonyi. Without any sign of external pressure Martonyi seems to wholeheartedly support Viktor Orbán and his regime. Zsolt Németh proudly announced during an interview on HírTV that during the first Orbán administration they managed to get rid of 90% of the ambassadors and appoint new ones in their places. And Martonyi doesn’t seem to mind being marginalized. The first government official to make public the release of the Azeri murderer was not the foreign minister but Péter Szijjártó.
A sidenote for those who read Hungarian: an excellent summary of the failures of Hungarian diplomacy in the last two years written by Edit Inotai appeared in Népszabadság: “The Twilight of Hungarian Foreign Policy: Scandal after Scandal.”
By now János Martonyi, following in the prime minister’s footsteps, is resorting to outright lying. Because at the informal meeting of the European Union’s foreign ministers in Cyprus Martonyi appears to have convinced his fellow foreign ministers that Hungary acted in good faith and that the release of Safarov happened only after Hungary received a guarantee from Azerbaijan. But we know that there was no guarantee. After all, the Ministry of Administration and Justice released the letter which this alleged assurance was given. Martonyi’s colleagues were able to read it but instead they seem to have believed Martonyi. On September 7, referring to the meeting of the foreign ministers, the German Foreign Ministry released the following statement: “The government of Azerbaijan assured the Hungarian side prior to the transfer that the prisoner will serve out the remaining sentence there. The Federal Government does not doubt the statement of the Hungarian government in the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on September 6, 2012, after which it has completed the transfer of the Azerbaijani offender on the basis of written diplomatic assurances.” So, Martonyi either managed to convince the innocents of the European Union or, if they didn’t believe him, the decision was made to spare Hungary.
Just for the record, let’s republish the letter that allegedly contains the guarantee Martonyi was talking about:
Ministry of Public Administration and Justice of Hungary
Your Ref.: 06.08.2012
XX-NBSKF013743/412012
The Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Azerbaijan presents its compliments to the Ministry of Public Administration and Justice of Hungary and has the honor to inform the following.
As a response to your inquiry about Ramil Sahib Safarov, who is serving his sentence in Hungary, we inform you that the execution of the courts decisions of the foreign states regarding the transfer of sentenced persons to serve the remaining part of their prison sentences in the Republic of Azerbaijan is carried out in accordance with Article 9 paragraph 1 point a) of the European Convention without any conversion and without having to go through any new judicial procedure.
Please be also informed that in accordance with Article 57.3 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan the punishment of a convict who is serving a life sentence could only be replaced by court with an imprisonment for a certain period or he could be released on conditional parole, only after he has served at least twenty five years of his sentence.
The Ministry of Justice of the Azerbaijan avails itself of this opportunity to express the assurance of its highest consideration to the Ministry of Public Administration and Justice of Hungary and thank in advance for cooperation.
Vilayat Zahirov
Deputy Minister of Justice
Republic of Azerbaijan
János Martonyi should resign not because he had anything to do with Safarov’s release but because of his immoral, unfettered support of the Orbán regime.
Hungarian Spectrum 
He will not resign. Just like Orban, Martonyi lost all moral sense. Most of Orban’s government buddies support him for two reasons, money or power. Power means prestige. In a country where people’s social value is still measured by their occupation or by their wealth, there is no way that any of Orban’s unqualified puppets will ever give up the social status they earned not by their qualifications, but by their conformity to whatever comes in their way.
Interesting article but on what grounds that are relevant to him would he resign? I’m sure he sees himself as a dutiful government servant – if he saw himself as answerable to the people then maybe his conscience would bother him – and therefore resignation is akin to a soldier refusing to fight (no matter what humiliations or incompetence he has to endure).
You would think his amour-propre would be affected at some point. It must be humiliating to be continually undermined, publicly, by the people you work for. Then again, I suppose everything has its price.
I love this website a lot and I wish more media would apply the same dedication as HungarianSpectrum. As the leading Hungarian politics blog, I think it’s crucial to keep a neutral stance on people and events, and not let emotions take over (although I completely agree that in the current political context, this is easier said than done).
Keep up the good work and thanks for the daily updates.
What can we expect from a guy who joined the MSZMP in 1989? A few months back we were guessing if he can be Orban’s successor. Oh, God, no!
Mutt, indeed, he joined the MSzMP in February 1989. Much worse than that, he has become a police informant in 1968. We know from his files that NOONE forced him to become one. He just walked in and voluntarily offered his services. Just to remind the younger readers, it was in 1968 when the Warsaw Pact crushed the Prague Spring…
http://www.europeanvoice.com/article/imported/denials-and-divisions-in-hungary-s-press/57526.aspx
If Orbán is not anymore prime-minister, probably in 2020, Martonyi will declare
“I kept my job in order to prevent something much worse.”
In the meantime it looks as if Orbán and his ilk can do anything they like, ruin the economy with unorthodox methods, abolish liberal democracy and now showing the world that they do not fear public opinion abroad, because in Hungary most Hungarians do not oppose, because the opposition is not able or not willing to form a common platform. And probably the slogan put up in all Hungarian offices should be “let’s have the courage to be stupid”, as if for stupidity one needed courage.
Although it’s just a matter of speculation, I am sure that Martonyi has something very nasty in his past that makes him blackmailable. Besides it is more than interesting that a person like him joined the Communist Party (MSZMP) a few years before the fall of the old regime.Has anybody ever asked him what made him join that party in the late1980-ies?
London Calling!
There must be a few people in Orban’s government with this ‘ambivalent-position-of-integrity’ who can’t resign because it means letting go of the trappings of power.
Maybe he feels he is ‘holding the fort’ inside Fidesz ready for the internal combustion self destruction phase? (He’ll have a long wait!)
I think that there is no doubt that his position in government will be ‘beneficial’ to his position in the international company he works for. I think too that such a position would be looked on favourably by his International colleagues – and measured by how much ‘business’ he brings them. (Probably substantial.)
In addition of course he’s keeping the ‘Moustachioed-constituency’ alive! You have to have a sense of humour to sport one as such a fine specimen as that! The ‘side-curve-flick’ factor is marvellous – about a 3 on the SDC scale (the Salvador Dali Curve scale!).
Whilst I haven’t done any serious international research – this ‘moustache-predilection’ only seems to feature in Hungary. Why? Are those ‘regal’ pictures of Regent Horthy the subconscious text behind the fashion? – I daren’t mention those irredentist undercurrents.
Anyway I’m thinking of bringing over a consignment of moustache wax on my next trip – should go down a bundle!
A bit O/T – several years ago the firm he works for was the subject of an email ‘event’ that kept the legal community in London amused for weeks – and will be forever linked to his firm.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4118502.stm
Regards
Thanks, Charlie – that was really funny but at the same time depressing. These guy are “out of our world”, reminds me of one of my former bosses.
If someone else would have told me about this (S)Ketchup accident, I’d say it was an urban legend …
Mutt Damon: “His government certainly “lied” – that is falsified a lot of government reports as he actually admitted it.”
Not quite accurate. No government data were falsified. They just promised all sorts of things that it was obvious at least to Gyurcsány that the government will not be able to keep.
If nothing worse, stupidity!
OT; WHat’s up with Gyurcsany’s hunger strike? I mean, I do understand that people should disagree and express their disapproval wit the government regarding the new mandatory voting pre-registration, but really? Hunger strike? I’m sure that Orban could care less, and it is likely will be a sentence in the foreign press. Many who do not like Gyurcsany, I am sure will show up and chant some very nasty stuff, but is this really necessary? Can he do something more important inside the parliament then outside in a tent?
THis is the key sentence. In any situation when a government is “overthrown” there is a common platform amongst those who want radical changes. THose radical changes should start with making sure Fidesz will not win the next election and the members of a democratic minded opposition will be in majority. WIth that everything can be changed back to normal and improved where it needs improvement. After that all the micro differences can be ironed out, and life can get back to normal. I am afraid that the reason this cannot happen in Hungary is the same why Martonyi would never resign. THe Hungarian prestige game. Non of the Hungarian “leaders” would be willing to become a subordinate.
Some1: I think the whole point is to show that the opposition cannot do anything inside the Parliament where Orban’s voting robots rule. It’s desperation, like LMP’s demonstration when they chained themselves in front of the Parliament last December. So that part I understand, something needs to be done, something that gets attention and shakes people out of their apathy. Is a hunger strike a good idea? Not sure.
I just wonder, if LMP came up with the same idea, would the reception be still this bad? I doubt it. Funny thing, Gyurcsany can do no good… even if the issue is important (the elephant in the room) , if action is coming from him, it’s either viewed as stupid, ridiculous or just a plain publicity stunt. While I understand the sentiment, I’m not sure he fully deserves it.
Anyways, the point is, something needs to be done about voter registration. Any ideas? Other opposition parties, anyone? Readers of this blog? Feel free to do something, not just criticize what others are doing.
It is impossible to understand the degree of Martonyi’s subservience and the reason why Orbán can use him as a muck cleaner without knowing what was affirmed about him in court as a “real fact”. He was marked in the Registration Book of Group Command III/I (that is, the communist intelligence service) as “live network” (élőhálózat) under the code name ‘Magasdi’ during the time he was a minor trade official in Brussels out of all places. It is also remarkable how neither the Hungarian opposition nor Hungary’s western partners seem to care about this fact. “They leave us to our fate,” as Hungarians would say.
London Calling!
Turkmenbas:
Very interesting!
During our last trip to Hungary we visited the Statue Park – a great day out! – and while we were there they showed a film on how the informer network worked. Many of you may have already seen it?
Most revealing – on how a whole society’s trust was undermined by informers – who may or may not have transgressed the laws, and were locked into the system.
If he did do it voluntarily – then he is a ruthlessly ambitious nasty piece of work.
I wish they would open those archives/files.
(The Statue Park was a great day out – as I said. You see the Stalin’s Boots statue, the icon of the 56 Revolution – all those ‘Joy through Work and Struggle’ statues that have been re-located there; and a very interesting display (and the film too, of course). And you can sit in a Trabant – which was one of the few cars that passed the ‘Moose’ test – swerving safely at 30mph. And which used re-cycled materials in the bodywork – way ahead of its time!
Unlike the Terror House which we also visited – which was complete confusion for a non-Hungarian-speaking visitor. The arty farty displays don’t increase your knowledge of the history. In one room a video screen suddenly comes alive with English subtitles – for about 2 or 3 minutes. Then suddenly another one becomes actice – on the other side of the room but you miss it because other visitors are in the way! Ditto for the next dozen screens! – Complete chaos! In the entrance hall is a (Russian?) Tank in an enormous tank of putrid oil – I’m not sure it’s not carcinogenic – but it takes up an awful lot of room. Useless for learning about the History of Hungary.)
Regards
Charlie
Charlie, all the effort Fidesz put into the Terror Museum was lost on you! What a shame! I especially liked the last room where after all the gloom and doom, a screen comes alive and shows the young Orban giving his famous speech at Nagy Imre’s reburial… the screen is placed so prominently in the room that it makes it look like as if he himself single-handedly kicked out the Russians!
London Calling!
An! Really?
We completely missed it! – The place was so crowded with two large coach parties which meant a snail’s pace progress – and missing all those exhibits as I said (we visited in July – could it have been removed?).
I also didn’t understand why Horthy’s (?) car was in a fishing net – every few minutes the lights came on to illuminate the interior – which was ‘ruddy plush’ – as you’d expect. It was just a big obstruction for everyone there. (I would have liked to inspect the engine!)
The only exhibit that really enlightened me – were the small ‘cameo’ pictures on the outside of the building – all those artisans with their birth dates. All their ‘death’ dates were between 1956 and 1958. Murdered. Brought it home and numbed me – the price of freedom. And knowing that many relatives are still around – you might walk past them in the streets.
(And it was free!)
Regards
Charlie
London Calling!
An:
“……….Anyways, the point is, something needs to be done about voter registration. Any ideas? Other opposition parties, anyone? Readers of this blog? Feel free to do something, not just criticize what others are doing.”
Yes – good point!
The only thing I can think of is a ‘No-Registration’ or ‘Universal Unobstructed Suffrage’ community on Facebook – which has a delicious irony because we are registering ourselves!
How about “Hey Hungary – sorry for our voting system” community?
But it worked for the ‘Arab Spring’
(Not very inspiring yet – but I’ll be thinking! – Work in Progress!!)
Unfortunately – it seems that internet usage in Hungary is quite low – but you never know!
Regards
Charlie
Charlie, it’s been a while since I was there; so they may have changed things around in the exhibits. Don’t know about the fishing net… maybe symbolizing that how Hungary was struggling in the net of Nazis and communists (being caught in the middle in the 40s). Or maybe Horthy just liked fishing 🙂
I guess, even if they rearranged some of the exhibits since I was there, it couldn’t have gotten much better at informing its audience (as your confusion suggests). I’ve found it manipulative rather than informative: it was a little too heavy on the visual side,and too little on the informative/educational side.
I am not sure about the “reception” just yet, as I did only read about the fact. If you refer to my own reception, I can say that I would not like a one week hunger strike idea from whoever does it. I think to put a cap on it is silly and it could backfire. “I am going on a hunger strike, but not long enough that it could really harm me…” In many cultures fasting is part of life, and many people are also doing it for health reason. I do not see the point. As far as LMP goes, I do not have the best opinion of it. THey have a lot of ironing out to do. I appreciate their efforts but they should choose their leaders wiser (just like Hungarians). Also their non-committal to team up in the name of “difference” while they are not much different in their ways than any political party is just so childish. As you see I never really commented on LMP, as I do understand the attraction and why people appreciate them, but I do not.
I understand that anti-Gyurcsány forces are organizing on Facebbok. They are planning to hold a huge feast right next to the four DK politicians who are on hunger strike. No comment.
I wanted to say that I do not like the “not just criticize what others are doing” byline. THat is kind of a Fidesz slogan. I think voicing our opinion is doing something. Bringing attention to various issues, and criticizing is doing something. Maybe I should go on hunger strike and start to blog about it. My friends every year try to convince me about the liquid diet, so I will just put the two together. For that matter this blog always presents ideas, not that anything came out of it, but it did bring attention to various issues, and started many conversations. Many of those who are posting here were engaged in conversation with visitors of active political circles, so as far as I am concerned the readers of this blog do way more than many Hungarians are doing.
I also do not believe that people trust Facebook when it comes to the government, as their identity can be easily tracked. People already had trouble by simply protesting and having blood money put on their head, while the government did squat about it. Imagine with Facebook…. I do believe that general protest when thousands show up is more useful and if it will be in the first week of October, I will be part of it. I also believe that Eva’s “voice” on this blog means a lot, and I hope she will return to post more about the dangers of such legislations.
Didier Delcampe: I think it’s crucial to keep a neutral stance on people and events, and not let emotions take over (although I completely agree that in the current political context, this is easier said than done).
With great sorrow, I infom you that this blog does not represent a “neutral stance” It is very definitly left and anti-Hungarian government oriented.
London Calling!
More O/T!
What a coincidence – The Terror House – and now this a few minutes ago on World Service BBC (Nick Thorpe!)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-19546237
Regards
Charlie
Kovach, you are a mini-Orban:
1. This blog is not left leaning. Anybody with a cursory knowledge of the English can see that. Critisizing Orban is not a left wing idea. You only wish ..
2. This blog is NOT anti-Government. The blog is critiquing the ORBAN government.
You misunderstood Didier. It’s OK to take sides, but don’t let your emotions take over when you interpret the events.
Some1: Voicing our opinion is a good start, but a little more than voicing our opinions among ourselves is needed at this point. It’s action that is seriously lacking in Hungarian politics. Voicing opinions and criticizing each other already works very well in opposition circles. We need more if we would like change. I would like to see more action, even from people I don’t necessary like or don’t see eye to eye 100%. Even if it is coming from Gyurcsany, and even if it is maybe not the best move.
This is really not a criticism to you personally, more to the general reaction of what I’ve seen in Hungarian online communities.
Btw, I think Eva is doing plenty by keeping this blog. I consider what she is doing action. As for us, commenters… I don’t know… obviously there is no blog without readers and commenters and voicing our opinion has value… but let’s look into ourselves if we could do more. Maybe not…. But at least I’d be very careful with my criticism with someone who does.
If we want to see a united opposition, I think we should start there. Instead of saying what a bad idea what Gyurcsany is doing, we could say that although we may not like the person and may think the method of protest is silly, we fully agree with his stance he is taking on the actual issue at hand.
Thank goodness we have you here to represent the neutral stance!!!
It was predictable. I do not think people will really know or remember why he is on hunger strike, they will simply remember an “other circus” attached to his name.
If I were him (and I am not), as soon as they invite him to eat with them (which they will) I would take them up on it. Maybe this a great way to engage them in a conversation. If not, then maybe he should get a projector a screen, and start to show footage of staring people from al around the world, including historical footage, like WWII. Start to collect money for the food bank right there. I wonder if the those on feast would loose their appetite.
Is there any information, just how much they have to pay for using a public property?
According to news the DK must pay 132.000HUF for their stay.
Louis,
Some of us grew up with a set of standards, and the wherewithal to know the difference between ‘right’ and ‘wrong’. We DON’T have to be equally respectful of what is WRONG. Orban and Fidesz are WRONG and CRIMINAL. There are many proofs but the simplest one is the way Orban goes about governing. If these factors are not abundantly clear to you, I suggest you enroll in a night course on DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES.
Your presumption that criticism of Orban and Fidesz is simply a case of ‘perspective’ is FALSE at best; and determinately
duplicitous at worst.
Another brotherly slap on the face of the Hungarian government. It should be really embarrassing already – to most people, that is.
A short summary in English:
Ali M. Hasanov, national adviser to the President of Azerbaijan told news portal Media-forum yesterday:
“We enjoyed wide support of the interactional law and laws of Azerbaijan while granting a pardon to Ramil Safarov. Besides, the extradition of Safarov by the Hungarian authorities also was in accordance with law and the European Convention. In addition, the Hungarian authorities were aware of Safarov’s possible pardon,”
he said.
To those who read Turkish, here is the link to the whole interview:
-http://www.mediaforum.az/az/2012/09/07/Macar%C4%B1stan-hakimiyy%C9%99ti-bilirdi-ki-Ramil-S%C9%99f%C9%99rov-061056295c02.html
– And some short question to Brother Louis, yes- or no would be plenty for answer:
– Do you really think, that exposing liars, cheaters and thieves and traitors is anti-Hungarian?
– Are you aware, what a “yes” would imply?
Yes! 130,000 forints. The word came from the Office of the Parliament. László Kövér.
There is no such thing as neutral stance when it comes to right and wrong. Moral considerations must pay a role in our attitudes. Amorality is not a virtue. This morning a journalist working for Magyar Hírlap was praising Viktor Orbán for lying about the IMF list because “it was a useful political tool.” It was stomach turning:
http://atv.hu/videotar/20120910_nem_letezik_a_10_pontos_imf_lista
Today in Parliament Viktor Orbán announced that releasing Safarov was “just” (igazságos). Not just legal but also just! Amazing!
Mutt: “You misunderstood Didier. It’s OK to take sides, but don’t let your emotions take over when you interpret the events.”
As demonstrated by Dr Balogh:
“János Martonyi should resign not because he had anything to do with Safarov’s release but because of his immoral, unfettered support of the Orbán regime.”
Pefect example of a “neutral stance”….
No it is not. She perfectly explained why she thinks this way.
You still don’t get it … have an opinion, explain it. This what the blog and the comments should be. Not like, Google some shit, post it as a comment, and deny later everything when the readers try to guess your views.
Your post by the way are almost always a personal attack on professor Balogh.
Gyurcsany has apparently begun his hunger strike on Kossuth Ter. Good man. These are desperate times (for those of us who live here).
Charlie and “subconscious…”: I believe it is absolutely conscious. It need not be Horthy personally… but “the nobility”, the Glorious Years after 1867 and everything connected to that.
An: “Voicing opinions and criticizing each other already works very well in opposition circles. We need more if we would like change. I would like to see more action,”
Before I went to Budapest in summer, I would have said that too but I changed my mind there. Action has no direction as long as there is no general agreement between the many people who are opposed to OV. I think there is no lack of people who are fed up with this “governing”. But to arrive at more willingness to cooperate will need time. The general public will become more active once this hard work of uniting the opposition is done. (You first need some ray of hope…) Which is why I suggest to all people who can do that, ie who are Hungarians, in Hungary or close to some community of Hungarians that could write down a programme, to do so. But because this is really very difficult and the situation is apparently worsening by the hour, I think that it will be Fidesz people who will make the first steps towards change. My best guess is Janos Ader. But that does not change anything in the necessity to achieve more cooperation between the opposition also.
I believe one should be dispassionate about the question of the foreign minister remaining in or resigning from office. The chief diplomats of states play a critical and sensitive role, operating in the confidence of the head of government and head of state and also independently of everyday partisan politics. The chief diplomat is the indisputable head of his or ministry, must be able to communicate honestly and confidential with the head of government and is sworn directly to the constitution of the country. (A perfect illustration of the special role of a foreign minister was provided at the Democratic convention in the US, which Secretary of State did not attend because she is legally forbidden to do so, as it would confuse partisan interests with the consensus interests of the entire country.)
The critical issue here is whether or not the foreign minister was in the loop on the decision to transfer the prisoner to Azerbaijan. Was he informed? When was he informed? Was he consulted? and if so, when? Was his advice followed? If the answer to these questions was either “no” or “too late to change the decision” then the foreign minister did not and does not work in the confidence of the prime minister, and so should resign as a matter of protocol with respect to the office and self-respect with regard to the person of the foreign minister. If it is in fact the case that the Hungarian position on the transfer was negotiated directly between the prime minister and a deputy foreign minister, then the deputy should also resign, in this case for insubordination.
While, I do not agree with everything GW posted, I consider his posting as the proper tone and clear relevance to the issue of the “resignation” cries.