Hungarian Corvin Chain

Hungarian Corvin Chain
Awarded by President of Hungary
TypeState decoration
Established2001; 23 years ago (2001)
MottoPro scientia - litteris - et artibus (For science, literature and the arts)
StatusCurrently constituted
Statistics
First induction2001
Last induction2018
Precedence
Next (higher)Hungarian Order of Saint Stephen
Next (lower)Hungarian Order of Honour


The Hungarian Corvin Chain (Hungarian: Magyar Corvin-lánc) is the second highest Hungarian state decoration, after the Hungarian Order of Saint Stephen,[1] and is awarded to persons who have made an outstanding contribution to the improvement of Hungarian public thought, science and culture. Unlike other medal holders, the recipients form a body which meets periodically to discuss the state of Hungary.

The Corvin Chain Medal was originally established in 1930 by Miklós Horthy, Regent of Hungary. The award was re-established by the Hungarian government in 2001, but after the change of government in 2002, no one was awarded the Corvin chain, the reason given being that it was reminiscent of the Horthy era and the way it was awarded was criticised.[2] Two years after the change of government in 2010, the award was re-issued in 2012.

According to Annex 2 of Act CCII of 2011 on the Use of the Coat of Arms and Flag of Hungary and State Honours, the number of recipients of the Corvin chain may not exceed fifteen at any one time.[3] In 2012, five people were awarded the award, bringing the total number of recipients to 13, and since 2013 it has fallen to 12.

According to Government Decree No. 86/2012 (26.4.2012), the award is the property of the State.[4]

  1. ^ "Magyar Corvin-lánc Iroda". corvinlanc.kormany.hu. Retrieved 2023-01-19.
  2. ^ "A kormány újragondolja az állami kitüntetések rendszerét". hvg.hu (in Hungarian). 2011-03-31. Retrieved 2023-01-19.
  3. ^ "Orbán öt új Corvin-láncost tüntetett ki". index.hu (in Hungarian). 2012-05-30. Retrieved 2023-01-19.
  4. ^ "86/2012. (IV. 26.) Korm. rendelet a Magyar Corvin-láncról és a Magyar Corvin-lánc Testületről - Hatályos Jogszabályok Gyűjteménye". net.jogtar.hu. Retrieved 2023-01-19.