számonkérés

Számonkérés is a Hungarian term that refers to the act of holding someone to account or demanding an explanation for their actions. The noun is formed from elements meaning an account and a request, and it is used idiomatically to denote accountability or the demand for justification.

In political and public life, számonkérés denotes the process by which individuals, especially public figures or institutions, are required to explain, justify, or take responsibility for their actions or decisions. It is a key element of democratic oversight and governance. Mechanisms include parliamentary questions and interpellations, inquiries and investigations by committees, audits by auditing bodies, reports by ombudsmen, and investigative journalism. Civil society and the media also contribute by highlighting shortcomings and demanding explanations.

In practice, számonkérés serves several purposes: promoting transparency, improving performance, clarifying responsibility, and enabling remedies when harm or mismanagement has occurred. It may lead to policy changes, disciplinary measures, or legal action. It can arise after perceived misconduct, failure to meet obligations, or during debates over public spending and policy outcomes.

Critically, the concept relies on fair procedures and the presumption of innocence; it should be proportionate and evidence-based. It can be politicized or used as a rhetorical tool to delegitimize opponents, or it can be selectively applied. As a democratic mechanism, it complements other forms of accountability, such as legal liability, internal controls, and external audits.