Közérdeknek

Közérdeknek is the dative form of közérdek, a term used in Hungarian legal, administrative and political discourse to indicate that a certain action, regulation or decision is intended to serve the public good rather than private interests. The phrase signals justification for measures taken in the name of the community, citizens, or society as a whole.

Etymology and concept: The word is composed of köz (public) and érdek (interest). It is contrasted with magánérdek (private interest) and is used to evaluate the legitimacy, necessity and proportionality of policies, rules or actions. The concept appears in discussions of transparency, governance, urban planning, and public administration, where decisions are expected to align with the common good.

Usage and contexts: In legal and administrative texts, the expression commonly appears as közérdeknek vagy közérdekű célokra utalva, or as a basis for actions “a közérdeknek megfelelően.” It is also linked to related terms such as közérdekű adatok (public-interest data), közérdekképviselet (advocacy for the public interest) and közérdeket szolgáló tevékenység (activities serving the public interest). The phrase helps distinguish actions taken for the wider community from those pursued for private benefit.

Legal significance and limits: While the public interest can justify certain restrictions on private rights or the use of public powers, such measures must be proportional, legally grounded and subject to oversight. Courts, legislators and watchdog bodies assess whether a given act serves the közérdek sufficiently to warrant its application.