Minister of Defence (Hungary) facts for kids

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Quick facts for kids Minister of Defence of Hungary
Incumbent Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky since 24 May 2022
Ministry of Defence
Member of	Hungarian cabinet
Formation	7 April 1848
First holder	Lajos Batthyány

The Minister of Defence of Hungary (Hungarian: Magyarország honvédelmi minisztere) is a very important person in the Hungarian government. They are in charge of the Ministry of Defence. This ministry looks after Hungary's military, called the Hungarian Defence Forces.

The Minister of Defence also chooses the top military leader, known as the Chief of General Staff. The person holding this job right now is Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky.

This role has had different names throughout history. For example, in 1919, during a time called the Hungarian Soviet Republic, it was known as the People's Commissar of War. It was also called the Minister of War during the Hungarian Revolution of 1848 and for a short, confusing time after World War I.

The History of Hungary's Defence Leaders
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The History of Hungary's Defence Leaders

The job of leading Hungary's defence has changed a lot over time. It started way back in 1848.

Early Days: Ministers of War (1848–1849)

The first Minister of War was appointed on April 7, 1848. This was during the Hungarian Revolution of 1848. The first person to hold this role was Lajos Batthyány. Later, Lázár Mészáros took over.

After the revolution ended, Hungary became part of the Austrian Empire. This lasted until 1867.

Defence in the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy (1867–1918)

From 1867 to 1918, Hungary was part of a big empire called Austria-Hungary. During this time, there were a few different defence ministries.

The Honvédministerium was for the Hungarian part of the empire.
There was also a separate ministry for the Austrian part.
And a main Ministry of War looked after the entire Austria-Hungary military.

Many people held the role of Minister of Defence during this long period. One of the first was Gyula Andrássy. Later, Géza Fejérváry served for a very long time.

Times of Change: Ministers of War (1918–1920)

After World War I, Hungary went through many big changes. The role of defence leader changed names often.

In 1918, during the end of the Hungarian Kingdom, Béla Linder and Albert Bartha were Ministers of War.
When Hungary became the Hungarian People's Republic, the role continued. Vilmos Böhm was a notable Minister of War during this time.
Then, during the Hungarian Soviet Republic in 1919, the leaders were called People's Commissars of War. People like József Pogány and Béla Kun held this position.
There were also some temporary governments during this chaotic period.

Modern Era: Ministers of Defence (1920–Present)

Since 1920, the role has mostly been called the Minister of Defence. Hungary has seen many different governments and political systems. Each new era brought new leaders to this important position.

During the Hungarian Kingdom (1920–1946), many independent figures served. These included Károly Soós and Gyula Gömbös.
After World War II, during the Hungarian Republic (1946–1949), the role was held by people like Jenő Tombor and Mihály Farkas.
During the time of the Hungarian People's Republic (1949–1989), the ministers were often members of the ruling communist parties. Lajos Czinege served for a very long time in this period.
Since 1989, when Hungary became a republic again, the Minister of Defence has continued to be a key part of the government. Recent ministers include Lajos Für, György Keleti, Ferenc Juhász, Csaba Hende, and István Simicskó.

The current Minister of Defence, Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, continues this long line of leaders. They are responsible for keeping Hungary safe and secure.