Statement by Dr. Tivadar Tulassay
Budapest, April 1, 2012
The past few days and weeks have been very foreign to the usual, everyday life of the University, in which the focus is on education, research and health care. Irrespective of our will, politics crept within the University’s walls.
It is my opinion that the decision made by the University this week lives up, in all respects, to the expectations made of one of the most renowned Hungarian institutions, which also enjoys an exceptional international reputation.
The decision’s importance is established by the fact that Semmelweis University and the whole of Hungarian science suffered a measurable loss in prestige because of the case. The academic world welcomed the University’s decision with relief; at the same time, social controversy and the political interpretation of the case intensified, and the University’s decision was caught in a crossfire of political and legal interpretations.
The decisions made by the University over the past few days are indisputably tied to my person. For this reason, the supervising authority’s loss of confidence in my person became perceptible. Therefore, in the interest of the University’s tranquillity and a return to the usual everyday life as soon as possible, I have decided to hand over the rectorship to rector-elect Ágoston Szél, who received the unanimous support of the Senate at its March 29, 2012 session and, effective immediately, resign from my post as rector without completing the remaining three months of my mandate. I will officially inform the Minister of National Resources about this on Monday. The new leader will be able to restore the University’s tranquillity and enjoys the support of the supervising authority.
I would like to emphasize that I fully support the decision made by the Senate on March 29, 2012, and maintain that the University acted in compliance with the current legislation throughout its activities related to Pál Schmitt’s doctoral (dr. univ.) dissertation.
The decisions made during my time in office are proper, I can identify with them and take responsibility for their preparation and implementation. Naturally, I assist and support the elected rector’s work.
Translated by Gina Gönczi
