The Hegedüs government led Hungary for eighteen months, spanning from April 18, 1955 to October 24, 1956. It officially operated as the Council of Ministers of the Hungarian People's Republic and was helmed by András Hegedüs, who served as the Chairman of the Council of Ministers.

Background In the aftermath of World War II, the country embarked on the construction of a socialist foundation based on the Stalinist model. The challenges of rebuilding the economy and industrializing in the face of limited resources were compounded by internal disputes within the ruling Hungarian Working People's Party, particularly regarding political and economic strategies.

Matyas Rakosi, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Hungarian Working People's Party, pursued orthodox Stalinist policies, emulating those implemented in the USSR. By the end of 1949, extensive nationalization had taken place, bringing key sectors under state control. The accelerated collectivization of agriculture commenced, with 1,500 production cooperatives established by the middle of the year. Rakosi, faced with international tensions and the outbreak of the Korean War, believed in expediting the establishment of socialism, even resorting to reprisals.

A counterposition emerged, led by Imre Nagy, a former Minister of Agriculture (Hungary) known for overseeing agrarian reform. Nagy criticized Rakosi's approach, advocating for socialist reform. The death of Joseph Stalin in 1953 weakened Rakosi's position, as new Soviet leaders favored moderate reforms and a departure from Stalinism. In July 1956, Imre Nagy replaced Rakosi as the head of the government, steering away from forced industrialization and promoting democratization.

However, Nagy's tenure faced opposition, leading to his condemnation by the Central Committee in March 1955. Despite this, Nagy retained support, especially among intellectuals, youth, and certain press organs. Unable to reinstate himself or appoint loyal comrades to key positions, Rakosi supported the candidacy of András Hegedüs, a 33-year-old ally, as the head of the Council of Ministers.

Hegedüs, aligned with Rakosi's policies, collaborated with the Rákosi group in sidelining Nagy's supporters and implemented a . The government signed the Warsaw Pact on May 14, 1955. During the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, Hegedüs initially supported Ernő Gerő, but later, as the situation evolved, left his post along with most of his cabinet members.

Composition Portfolio Minister Party Chairman of the Council of Ministers András Hegedüs Hungarian Workers' Party First Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers Ernő Gerő (until July 30, 1956)István Hidas (from July 30, 1956) Hungarian Workers' Party Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers Antal Apro Hungarian Workers' Party Ferenc Erdei (until November 15, 1955)István Hidas (until July 30, 1956) Hungarian Workers' Party Hungarian Workers' Party Minister of State ControlThe position was established on August 26, 1955. Árpád Házi Hungarian Workers' Party Minister of Economy Hungarian Workers' Party Minister of Mines and EnergyPosition created on July 30, 1956. Hungarian Workers' Party Minister of Taxes and Duties Hungarian Workers' Party Interior Minister Laszlo Piros Hungarian Workers' Party Minister of Domestic Trade (until April 14, 1956) (from April 14, 1956) Hungarian Workers' Party Minister of Health Joseph Roman Hungarian Workers' Party Minister of Food (until July 30, 1956)Rezső Nyers (from July 30, 1956) Hungarian Workers' Party Minister of Construction Lajos Szíjártó Hungarian Workers' Party Minister of Agriculture Ferenc Erdei (until November 15, 1955)Janos Matolcsy (from November 15, 1955) Hungarian Workers' Party Minister of Defense István Bata Hungarian Workers' Party Justice Minister Erik Molnár Hungarian Workers' Party Minister of Metallurgy and Mechanical Engineering Hungarian Workers' Party Minister of Light Industry Béla Szalai (until September 8, 1955) (from September 8, 1955) Hungarian Workers' Party Minister of Transport and Postal Service Lajos Bebrits Hungarian Workers' Party Minister of Foreign Trade László Háy (until April 14, 1956) (from April 14, 1956) Hungarian Workers' Party Foreign Minister Janos Boldocki (until July 30, 1956)Imre Horváth (from July 30, 1956) Hungarian Workers' Party Minister of Culture József Darvas Hungarian Workers' Party Minister of Public Education Tibor Erdey-Grúz (d 30 July 1956)Albert Kónya (d 30 July 1956) Hungarian Workers' Party Minister of Finance Karoly Olt Hungarian Workers' Party Minister of Coal Industry Hungarian Workers' Party Minister of City and Municipal Administration Janos Shabo Hungarian Workers' Party Minister of Chemical and Energy Industry Hungarian Workers' Party Minister of Chemical Industry Hungarian Workers' Party Chairman of the National Planning Committee Hungarian Workers' Party

Literature

References

Magyar Életrajzi Lexikon

Sources József Bölöny : Governments of Hungary 1848–2004. The period between 1987 and 2004 was processed and published by László Hubai. 5th expanded and improved edition. Budapest: Academic Publishing House. 2004.