Közigazgatás

Közigazgatás is the system of public administration in Hungary, comprising authorities and civil servants responsible for implementing laws, delivering public services, and enforcing regulations. It includes both central administration and local self-government, and operates under the constitutional and legal framework of the country.

The central part of közigazgatás consists of ministries and other central government bodies that implement national policies, regulate sectors, issue permits, and coordinate nationwide administrative actions. Local self-government encompasses counties (megyék) and municipalities (települések), which have elected representative bodies and executives to manage local affairs, provide services, and collect local taxes or fees. The local level operates alongside and under supervision of the central administration, with national policy implemented through local administration.

Functions of közigazgatás cover a wide range: issuing licenses and permits, administration of social and civil registry services, land-use planning and building permits, environmental regulation, taxation, public order, health and education administration, and public procurement. In addition, public services often rely on digitization and the e-government framework to improve accessibility and efficiency.

Legal framework and accountability are anchored in the Fundamental Law (Alaptörvény) and sector-specific public administration laws. Administrative procedures emphasize legality, impartiality, transparency, and opportunities for appeal or administrative review. Oversight is provided by legislative bodies, independent bodies like ombudsmen, and the judiciary through administrative dispute resolution mechanisms.

Reforms and modernization efforts address efficiency, decentralization balance, and digital service delivery, while maintaining a commitment to accessibility and rule of law within the public sector.