There is no question of a political bargain

“I can't even tell you who blew up the Nord Stream lines. However, I consider it a very exciting question that we don't have an answer to this question in 2023," said Katalin Novák in the interview given to 24.hu, where they also talked about the grace of György Budaházy and a Steinway piano worth 66 million.

A recurring sign about you, and not only from the press, but also from analysts, is that you are a good cop of the Orbán system. In a team, the good cop is the one who tries to achieve the goals of the collective with softer, more refined, more understanding means: maybe sometimes his methods lead to success, and not those of being tough. When you read or hear that your operation is framed in this role, what do you think of?

It's fun to read when someone who clearly has no knowledge of the matter tries to shed light on the background of my decisions. When I read such explanations, I myself sometimes wonder why I supposedly made the decision I did.

By the way, is Viktor Orbán the one from whom you learned the most politically?

I learned a lot from him.

Which of these is the most important?

Perhaps it is the ability to listen to and consider different points of view and not make a decision based on current considerations. I saw him in a number of these situations, it was very instructive.

(…)

I don't see the issue of war as nuanced as he does.

I can't even tell you who blew up the Nord Stream lines. However, I consider it a very exciting question that we don't have an answer to this question in 2023.

There are theories about this, that, and that, but we don't have exact knowledge, and it's thought-provoking. Somewhere scary too. I have less experience as a leader than the Prime Minister, who has been in the thick of politics for more than thirty years. I am also careful because I like to speak about things in which I have sufficient information and confidence.

Why did he pardon Györgyé Budaházy?

It was one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make. In general, the power of pardon is the most difficult power for the head of state. There is no decision of grace that is not divisive, that is the nature of the thing.

(…)

Is there no political bargaining in your background?

There is no question of a political bargain.

And the decision was one hundred percent yours.

One hundred percent.

(…)

What does it say to those who feel that the 66 million Steinway piano is a luxury item and a waste of money?

I don't want to message them.

What public interest is attached to having such an expensive instrument in the Alexander Palace? Why wasn't a less expensive piano enough?

The question can be formulated as to whether the Sándor Palace needs a piano at all. Such a question can be asked with any piece of furniture here, but also with regard to the ornate chandelier above us. I generally believe in the power of culture, including the power of high and quality culture. One of our greatest assets is that we can also speak in the language of culture. I try to make the Alexander Palace and the residence an open place that is not an ivory tower where only I sit and make decisions. That is why I make it possible for thousands of people to visit here several times a year, and I am happy to see how many people come to the open days. But there are also regular cultural programs. I think it is useful and many people can enjoy it.

But why do you need such an expensive piano? 

This is the price of a quality piano.

So, for 66 million forints, you can't get a piano that would suit the Sándor Palace?

Either someone knows the price of Steinway pianos and knows they cost that much or not, so I don't consider this part of our conversation to be forward thinking. This piano is the property of the Hungarian state. The expenditure at the level of a state differs by orders of magnitude from the costs of everyday life, so it is not worth comparing them separately. It's the nature of things. We could bring a synthesizer here, which we buy used for HUF 20,000, but please don't expect me to say that it can produce the same quality as a Steinway piano. The position of head of state also includes the need to meet a standard in many things, such as appearance and elegance. This is not about my personal hobby or interest, but about representing Hungary and the Hungarian people. This is in the interest of the Hungarian people.

Of the Hungarian people?

I can see that you can't get away from this question, but I don't see the point in talking about this matter in such a primitive way.

The full interview can be read HERE.