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Mr Orbán stressed that the history of human civilisation of many thousands of years and the thousand-year-old history of the Hungarian state teaches us that order does not come into being of its own accord; it must always be created and then defended. If we neglect it, if we do not take good care of it, order breaks up, and with it we lose freedom, security and eventually civilised life as a whole, he added.
He warned that today we were again living in dangerous times, the world was becoming ever more chaotic, there were wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, migrants in the millions were besieging the borders of countries, and political and military tensions were gathering within and outside Europe. New threats are emerging, and the old ones are becoming ever more aggressive: terrorism, illegal migration, cyber-attacks, ideological nonsense which are capable of undermining law and order and the security of our everyday lives, he said.
He took the view that in the world, there is a constant increase in the number of places where order and security are no longer a given, but a state to fight for, and at times like this, the service of the guardians of public security especially gains in significance. He described the oath-taking of officers as a clear stance, and stressed that Hungary did not drift with events, but – as laid down in the Constitution – protected its citizens.
“This is a factual statement and a strict order all at once. We defend ourselves, we protect the Hungarian people’s lives, peace, property and freedom,” he stated. He drew attention to the fact that for this the law and technology were not enough. The most important factor is always man: police officers, finance guards, disaster management experts, prison guards who give their names and faces to the rule of law, to the maintenance of law and order, who are not afraid to face danger, and do not allow fear to descend on our communities.
He stressed that recognition and respect were due to the young officers who were today taking an oath to stand their ground even when others would retreat. “This is the mission you undertake today, and seeing the state of the world today, you undertake a task that is nothing short of heroic,” he said.
He recalled that officers took their oath on the Constitution which was the basis of statehood and the rule of law, and which represented an alliance between the Hungarians of the past, the present and the future. By taking their oaths, the officers occupy their sentinel post in this historical chain and become our partners in the joint effort, the purpose of which is – as is laid down in the Constitution – the fulfilment of a good life, security, order, justice and freedom, he pointed out.
He highlighted that the passing-out ceremony was the celebration of the beginning of a calling, but was at the same time a major moral endeavour because the law enforcement oath meant not just service, but also setting an example.
He indicated that they expected the officers who had just taken their oaths to represent the law, to act in a calm, but firm manner, and to offer their service in every corner of Hungary, “including in places where there is less light as well as in places where temptation is more frequent.”
Mr Orbán said we should be grateful to the family members of the officers for their encouragement, patience and love. A calling is never the calling of a single person, but that of the entire family, he pointed out, adding that those who are a generation or two ahead of them have faith in the young generation’s vocation. Their mission is not easy, but uplifting; is not free from danger, but involves the highest level of trust. Not everyone is suited to this calling, he pointed out, wishing the young officers that they may be accompanied and guarded throughout their entire career by the flag of Hungary; red standing for strength; white standing for loyalty; green standing for hope. The Hungarian nation counts on you, Mr Orbán said.
