Ladies and Gentlemen, Oath-takers,
Our Constitution speaks about “responsibility for every Hungarian”. Today you have taken your oath on the Constitution and on that responsibility. When we think about and plan our lives, we should rely only on solid foundations and rock-solid truths. This is why every year we invoke the Constitution of Hungary and place it at the heart of our oath. The Constitution is the foundation of our statehood, giving substance, purpose and meaning to our struggles at home and abroad. It is the foundation of our legal order. It is the alliance between the Hungarians of the past, of the present, and of the future. By taking the oath of allegiance, you are taking your places at guard posts in this chain of history. By taking the oath, you will be our partners in the shared work, the aim of which is – and I quote the Constitution – “to achieve the highest possible measure of well-being, safety, order, justice and liberty.”
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Thousands of years of human civilisation and a thousand years of the Hungarian state teach us that order does not emerge by itself. Order must always be created. And then it must be defended. If we neglect it, if we do not take care of it, order will disintegrate – and with it freedom, security and, ultimately, civilised life as a whole. Today we once more live in dangerous times, and the weight of old truths is even more burdensome. As you too can see, the world is growing ever more turbulent: war in Ukraine; war in the Middle East; millions of migrants besieging countries’ borders; political and military tensions building up inside and outside Europe; new threats emerging and old ones becoming more aggressive; terrorism, illegal migration, cyber-attacks, ideological absurdities that can undermine the rule of law and the security of our daily lives.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In a growing number of places in the world, order and security are no longer a given, but a condition still to be achieved. It is then that the service of the guardians of public safety – in other words your service – takes on a special significance. Today’s swearing in is a clear statement. Hungary shall not drift along with events. “Hungary shall protect its citizens” is a statement of fact and a strict command in our Constitution. We shall defend ourselves. We shall defend the lives, peace, property and freedom of the Hungarian people.
Dear Oath-takers,
For this the law is not enough. Technology is not enough. The most important thing is always people. You. The policemen, the customs officers, the emergency workers, the prison officers who are the names and faces of the rule of law, justice and order – who are not afraid to face danger, who will not let fear take hold of our communities. What is most important is for there to be someone who swears to stand firm, even when others would retreat. Whatever the cost. This is the mission that you are committing to today, and in the condition of the world today, you are committing to a heroic task. For this you deserve recognition and respect.
Young Officers,
Today is a milestone in your lives: a celebration of the beginning of a vocation. But it is also a solemn moral commitment. The law enforcement oath not only signifies service, but also sets an example. Leadership through example. We look to you to represent the rule of law – with calm but firm action. You will be counted on in every corner of Hungary, where the light is less bright and the temptations are more frequent.
Fellow Celebrants,
It is only natural that on this day we thank those who have contributed most to your success: family members, parents, siblings, partners, children. They have given you encouragement, patience and love. They have given you everything to live for, to work for, to make a sacrifice for. A vocation is never just for one person – it is always for the family. And we, who are a generation or two ahead of you, truly and genuinely trust in the vocation of you, the young generation. We believe what is in the Constitution when it says that you are the ones who “will make Hungary great again with their talent, persistence and moral strength.”
Ladies and Gentlemen of the forces,
Your mission is not easy, but it is uplifting. It is not without its dangers, but it garners the greatest confidence. Not everyone is suited for it. Your oath of office today is proof and assurance to all Hungarians that you are fit to serve and worthy of their trust. My wish is that throughout your career you will be accompanied and guarded by the flag of Hungary: red for strength, white for loyalty, green for hope. The Hungarian nation is counting on you. We are proud of you all.
God above us all, Hungary before all else! Go, Hungary, go, Hungarians!