Mátyás Szűrös: It was a coincidence that I declared the republic on October 23.

Mátyás Szűrös, as the Speaker of Parliament, declared the Third Hungarian Republic on October 23, 1989, coinciding with the anniversary of the 1956 revolution. He recalled this momentous occasion in an interview, noting that it was a coincidence to declare the republic on such a significant date. Szűrös mentioned that Prime Minister Miklós Németh suggested the dual celebration of the revolution and the republic declaration, emphasizing the importance of the event. He also reflected on János Kádár, describing him as an intelligent but flawed leader, who, despite his lack of formal education, was a self-taught individual with notable skills, including chess. Szűrös acknowledged Kádár's harsh actions against political opponents and the moral decline during his regime, portraying him as a complex figure.