Béla Merkely, the rector of Semmelweis University, has resigned

Béla Merkely, the rector of Semmelweis University, resigned due to a loss of trust with the university's foundation board. His resignation will take effect on January 1, 2027. Merkely highlighted his achievements during his tenure, which included improving the university's international ranking. He became widely known during the COVID-19 pandemic but faced criticism for some of his statements. Recent concerns about conflicts of interest arose regarding his son's stake in a company that received state funding. The university is undergoing structural changes, and Merkely's position in the new governance structure was affected by new eligibility criteria. His salary was reported to be significantly high, raising further scrutiny.