The experiences of 2020, the first year of the new ombudsman: Interview with Dr. Ákos Kozma, commissioner for fundamental rights

Abstract

The Parliament elected Dr. Ákos Kozma in a secret voting, by votes of more than two-third of the representatives, to commissioner of fundamental rights for a six-year period on 2nd July 2019. He was previously the deputy chairman of the Independent Police Complaints Body. He took over his office from his ancestor on 26th September 2019. At his election he formulated in his programme that he intends to be an ombudsman for everybody, puts special emphasis in his future work on protection the rights of children and handicapped people and intends to inform the wider public about his official work. In the period passed until now his ideas seem to be realised. The already complicated works of an ombudsman were even extended after 27th February 2020, when the Independent Police Complaint Body ceased working, as examination of police complaints became part of the work of the commissioner for fundamental rights, too. The Hungarian ombudsman also joined actively the international professional life through several forums. The consequences of the coronavirus pandemic met the official activity of the commissioner for fundamental rights, too. How it was experienced in the everyday work, how the diversified field of duties could be complied with, which are the experiences of the first year – Dr. Ákos Kozma, commissioner of fundamental rights, was asked by Dr. Valér Dános, editor-in-chief.