Judit Lannert faces calls for resignation amid political controversy

Hungarian Education Minister Judit Lannert is facing calls for her resignation following a political controversy involving a resurfaced 2023 radio interview. Bence Rétvári, the KDNP parliamentary group leader, initiated a political attack by circulating clips from the interview, which critics claim contain insulting remarks about teachers and the educational system.

Lannert has denounced the accusations as ‘pure manipulation,’ stating that the clips were taken out of context from an interview she gave three years ago while serving as an educational expert, not as a minister. She argued that the clips misrepresent her views on the structural needs of the education system and the necessity of all types of teachers.

The KDNP has organized a petition calling for her removal, which reportedly gathered over ten thousand signatures in a single day. In response, the Democratic Union of Teachers (PDSZ) has refused to be used as a political tool, asserting their independence and stating they will defend teachers regardless of political affiliation.

The controversy has also drawn criticism from local leaders, including the mayor of Debrecen, who declined to attend a university event at the minister's request, citing a lack of respect for local traditions.