Former Hungarian president Ferenc Mádl dies aged 80

Monday, May 30, 2011

Ferenc Mádl, President of Hungary from August 4, 2000 to August 5, 2005, died aged 80 on Sunday. During his time in office, Mádl became co-chairman of the World Justice Project and was recognized for his work in securing peace and solidarity in Europe.

Mádl studied law at Budapest's Eötvös Loránd University, graduating in 1955. He went on to work in the Hungarian Academy of Sciences before becoming head of its law department. After a career in law, Mádl entered politics, becoming a minister without portfolio in the first post-communist government. He later became Hungary's Minister of Education, a post he held in 1993 and 1994.

During his time as president, Mádl oversaw three prime ministers: Peter Medgyessy, Ferenc Gyurcsany and current prime minister Viktor Orban.

Current Hungarian president Pal Schmitt paid tribute to Mádl upon learning of his death. A statement released by his office said, "Pal Schmitt learnt with deep sorrow of the former head of state's death, and on this day personally expressed his condolences to [Mádl's] family." Prime Minister Orban commented on posted on his Facebook page, "We are shocked to hear the news. May he rest in peace!"

Have an opinion on this story? Share it!

Sources

"Former Hungarian President Ferenc Madl dies" — Xinhuanet, May 30, 2011
"Ferenc Madl, Hungarian icon, former President of the Republic passes away at age 80" — Budapest Report, May 29, 2011
"Former Hungarian president Mádl dead at 80" — Politics.hu, May 29, 2011

Share this:

This page is archived, and is no longer publicly editable.

Articles presented on Wikinews reflect the specific time at which they were written and published, and do not attempt to encompass events or knowledge which occur or become known after their publication.

Got a correction? Add the template {{editprotected}} to the talk page along with your corrections, and it will be brought to the attention of the administrators.

Please note that due to our archival policy, we will not alter or update the content of articles that are archived, but will only accept requests to make grammatical and formatting corrections.

Note that some listed sources or external links may no longer be available online due to age.

This page is archived, and is no longer publicly editable.

Articles presented on Wikinews reflect the specific time at which they were written and published, and do not attempt to encompass events or knowledge which occur or become known after their publication.

Got a correction? Add the template {{editprotected}} to the talk page along with your corrections, and it will be brought to the attention of the administrators.

Please note that due to our archival policy, we will not alter or update the content of articles that are archived, but will only accept requests to make grammatical and formatting corrections.

Note that some listed sources or external links may no longer be available online due to age.