A successful state is strong and ready to act, capable of assessing its own potential and influencing Hungarian, regional, European, and global political developments, the Prime Minister’s political director, Balázs Orbán, emphasized at the central opening ceremony of the academic year of the University of Public Service (NKE) in Budapest on Tuesday.
Balázs Orbán stated that the government’s goal is to train highly educated, independent thinkers capable of decision-making for public service. These individuals should strengthen Hungary’s ability to act and make it more resilient to internal and external challenges.
He stressed that to protect its citizens, the state must be capable of recognizing national interests in an environment where it faces multiple challenges, including war threats, economic crises, continuous migration risks, and a shift toward a new Cold War logic in the world.
Balázs Orbán also highlighted the importance of the state gaining the trust of its citizens and foreign partners, and its task to facilitate the building of relationships in the fields of economy and culture.
He acknowledged that the University of Public Service is not a typical higher education institution but serves as a gateway to public service. Graduates make the choice of dedicating their lives to serving the community, which comes with increased responsibility, but doesn’t diminish their freedom.
Balázs Orbán addressed the students, emphasizing that they should be ready to handle unexpected situations and maintain a desire for continuous professional development to prepare Hungary for the challenges ahead. He also mentioned that
Hungary is the oldest state-building force in the Carpathian Basin,
carrying the mantle of stability and continuity. In his speech, he explained:
‘I believe that if nobody has told you so far, it is high time for me to say it: anyone who expects a traditional civil service career is likely mistaken. Public service, of course, entails respect, career opportunities, intellectual challenges, and even diversity today. However, it definitely does not mean predictable, retirement-focused bureaucratic positions. Those who graduate from this school and want to excel in their future profession must be prepared for unexpected situations and must possess a continuous desire for professional development. This is not only in their interest but also in the interest of us all, because only with such a workforce can we prepare Hungary for new challenges.
For Hungary to find its place in the new world order, it needs to be a significant and strong player in the region. This is not an unfounded goal because Hungary is the oldest state-building power in the Carpathian Basin, carrying the mantle of stability and continuity. But to fulfil this role, the state must also be capable of building trust among its citizens and foreign partners alike.
First and foremost, the state must help establish relationships in the fields of economy and culture. We protect and preserve our own Christian civilization, but we do not seek to convert anyone, and we respect all cultures. We are willing to cooperate with every corner of the world, but Hungarians have always been a people who hold onto their faith and customs.’
NKE Rector Gergely Deli stressed that progress can only be achieved through acquired, processed, and experienced knowledge. He encouraged the students to acquire knowledge diligently and humbly, as books remain the primary source of knowledge to this day. He advised them to climb the stairs with determination and humility, as this will enable them to make good decisions, even in crisis situations.
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