egységállam

egységállam (Hungarian for “unitary state”) refers to a form of political organization in which a single central government holds the primary authority over all administrative regions, with any subnational units operating under powers delegated by that central authority rather than possessing constitutional autonomy. The concept contrasts with a federal state, where constituent units maintain constitutionally guaranteed sovereign powers independent of the national apparatus.

In an egységállam, the central legislature has the exclusive right to enact binding statutes for the entire territory, and regional administrations typically implement these laws under the direct oversight of national ministries or appointed governors. Devolution occurs only through legislation that may grant temporary or limited competencies, but without creating an independent constitutional framework for the regions. This arrangement is designed to promote policy uniformity, facilitate rapid decision‑making, and strengthen national unity.

Historical and contemporary examples of egységállam include France, Japan, Spain (though Spain has a strong autonomous community system, it remains unitary), China, and many Scandinavian countries such as Norway and Denmark. In Hungary, the term egységállam is used in academic and governmental contexts to denote the country’s unitary nature, distinguishing it from the federal structures of neighboring Austria or the United States.

The advantages of an egységállam often cited by proponents include administrative simplicity, reduced interregional competition, and centralized fiscal capacity. Critics argue that such a system may underrepresent regional diversity and hinder local self‑governance. Balancing central authority with regional participation remains a key debate among scholars of comparative government, with egységállam serving as a crucial case study for understanding the spectrum of state sovereignty and decentralization.