Despite being quite young, the Laureate's considerable experience acquired whilst working abroad and at the European Parliament in particular, means that recently hers was the loudest voice amongst those tackling issues associated with the Visegrád Group, observing the rule of law as well as family and children's rights – says Maciej Szymanowski (PhD), the director of the Polish-Hungarian Cooperation Institute.

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LAUDATION

Despite being quite young, the Laureate's considerable experience acquired whilst working abroad and at the European Parliament in particular, means that recently hers was the loudest voice amongst those tackling issues associated with the Visegrád Group, observing the rule of law as well as family and children's rights.

"My fierce nature, speaking for others and defending the honour of my fatherland all come from deep within my soul" – said the Laureate in an interview, referring to the principle she has stood by staunchly throughout her life. For example when, as a young lawyer, together with her husband she established the "Do not be afraid" Foundation, which came to the aid of those who were brutally pacified during the autumn 2006 anti-government demonstrations in Hungary.

A qualified lawyer, but also a musician and an avid sportswoman, the Laureate was born in Miskolc. Throughout her professional, political and international career, she never lost sight of her roots; the people and ends that public service is discharged for. A through and through supporter of her country's sovereignty, when expressing her opinions, she never loses sight of Poland and the Polish – Hungarian friendship, both in the contemporary and historic dimension. Nor of the belief in Central European community and interdependence, mirroring the core of professor Wacław Felczak's legacy, the patron of the Institute which I have the honour to represent here.

      Legacy also bequeathed through the word, in polemics she engaged in with great zeal, vividly reflecting the words of the Polish poet Julian Tuwim:

But above all – to our words, / Twisted by sly prevaricators, /

Bring back unity and veracity:
Let right always be right, /And justice – justice...

Dear Sirs!

Hungarians, apart from "szó" (word) also use "ige", which in the language of our brothers be means both "word" as well as "movement" and "action". Both those aspects – and this is worthy emphasising – come together in the Laureate's political efforts.

For all of the above reasons and in accordance with the unanimous decision of the Wacław Felczak Polish-Hungarian Cooperation Institute Council of 28 September 2020, it is my privilege to announce, that in recognition or the Laureate's disposition and merits, this year's winner of the CUSTOS VIRTUTUM – Guardian of Virtues award, is dr Judit VARGA, Hungary's Minister of Justice.

Sincere Congratulations!

/-/ Maciej Szymanowski