TV Interview Provides Insight Into the Day-to-day Work of the Head of State

Head of State Tamás Sulyok recently gave his first major televised interview to TV2, where he discussed his experiences at the Sándor Palace, his inauguration, recent political assassination attempts, Hungary’s EU presidency, and his favorite p

By: hungarytoday.hu

Jul 22 2024
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TV Interview Provides Insight

According to Mandiner, President Sulyok expressed his deep appreciation for working at the Sándor Palace, emphasizing the significance of the historic setting. “These historic walls confront us every day with our identity, or what makes us Hungarian, and that is a particular joy for me,” he shared, reflecting on the cultural and historical resonance of his workplace.

Describing his daily routine, Mr. Sulyok detailed the varied nature of his responsibilities. “When I come in in the morning, I always go to my room, check the press, the news, review the issues I have to deal with that day, and then I get down to work. I also have regular meetings with my colleagues, depending on the type of work that needs to be done. When we have guests here, we are busy welcoming them. If I have to go somewhere, we are busy with that.

They are all very nice tasks,” he said, offering a glimpse into the structure of his days.

The Head of State also emphasized the importance of communication and rapport with his colleagues. “I take every opportunity to talk to my colleagues. On the one hand, it’s important for the flow of information, and on the other, I am interested in people. I’m always interested in them, and my colleagues are good people. I am interested in their everyday problems, if I can help them, give them advice, or if they can give me some,” he noted, underscoring his commitment to a supportive and interactive workplace culture.

Reflecting on his initial days in office, Tamás Sulyok recounted the unexpected nature of his appointment and the immediate need to define his objectives.

From day one, I had to know what I wanted to do, and I had to keep it up.

The invitation itself was unexpected, and then you try to eliminate the unexpected,” he explained. He acknowledged that some unpredictability is inevitable, attributing personal attacks during his election campaign to the often harsh and inelegant nature of political contests.

President Sulyok also discussed the pardoning power associated with his office, highlighting its significance and limitations. “I consider it an additional and exceptional power on the part of the Head of State. It is not one in which the question of guilt could be opened up, because I am firmly convinced that this power must be interpreted in strict accordance with the principle of the separation of powers, which means that there is absolutely no possibility of reviewing final judgments in the courts by way of pardon,” he stated, clarifying his stance on the matter.

Addressing the broader issue of global violence and political instability, Mr. Sulyok expressed his concern over the increasing prevalence of violence and assassination attempts against heads of state and government.

I am horrified because I see violence becoming more and more powerful in the world, more widespread, and I see assassinations attempted against specific heads of state and heads of government.

It is often down to luck that these political leaders do not die from it. It is a terrible thing,” he remarked. He connected this trend to the rising number of conflicts worldwide and the troubling normalization of violence.

“I see this as part of a situation where more and more places are at war, more places are at local war, and people are getting used to it in their everyday lives, they are getting used to people dying, and you cannot get used to that. It’s against human nature for us to get used to it, and I urge everyone to never get used to it by accident, even if it is on the news every day,” he continued, urging constant vigilance against desensitization to violence.

He expressed relief and happiness over the recovery of leaders like U.S. President Trump and Slovak Prime Minister Fico, wishing them both continued health.

Regarding Hungary’s role in the European Union, the Head of State highlighted the significance of Hungary’s rotating presidency of the European Council. He believes that this role can help focus attention on critical issues such as competitiveness, illegal migration, and farmer-centered agriculture. “The rotating presidency of the European Council can provide a focus by drawing attention to certain issues,” he said, outlining his vision for Hungary’s contributions during its tenure.

Through his reflections, President Sulyok conveyed a deep sense of responsibility, a commitment to historical and cultural identity, and a clear vision for the future.

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