Defense Minister: Chief of Staffs remain loyal to Hungarian government at all times
Asked about a Monday statement by former commanders and chiefs of staff, Minister Szalay-Bobrovniczky said the contribution to political events by former army officials could divide the military, and he expressed disapproval of such activities.
The minister said that a former chief of staff who entered the political arena could compromise unity within the military and 'create uncertainty', which he said was 'extremely dangerous in war times'.
Minister Szalay-Bobrovniczky noted that he had worked together with Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi, a former chief of staff, who recently addressed a rally organised by the opposition Tisza Party. The minister said he had previously initiated Ruszin-Szendi's dismissal 'after a short period of co-working' because he thought the chief of staff 'could not take the military to a higher level of combat capabilities as required in the interest of the Hungarian people.'
The minister said Ruszin-Szendi had 'chosen the wrong role' and 'he keeps on talking'. He also suggested that Ruszin-Szendi, when still in office, had engaged in talks with Ukraine's defense minister and other Ukrainian officials without appropriate authorisation.
'A high-level military leader has huge powers and … could create situations in which politicians are forced to react,' Minister Szalay-Bobrovniczky said, adding that 'anyone acting like that is obviously unfit for their position.'
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