Hungarian Defence Minister Ruszin‑Szendi Announces Soldier‑Led Reforms and Possible Reinstatement

Defence Minister Ruszin‑Szendi Romulus posted on Facebook that the future of the Hungarian Defence Forces will be shaped by the soldiers themselves. He said decisions on identity, traditions and daily service will be taken with the troops, noting that initial feedback shows servicemen want to restore the post‑communist unit names and rank numbers.

The minister also highlighted an ongoing social consultation on amending legislation to allow the return of officers dismissed under the 2023 “youngification” decree, which forced soldiers over 45 out of service after 25 years of duty. He argued that the army needs the experience and knowledge of those veterans and that “unjust and undignified” dismissals must be corrected.