Former President Katalin Novák Requests Support of a Three-Member Secretariat for Her Work
A three-member secretariat is assisting the former president in her duties, according to a response from the Press Office of the National Assembly to our inquiry.
We also sought to clarify whether Katalin Novák has opted to use the opportunity for a vehicle.
Katalin Novák's term as the president came to an end on February 26, following the National Assembly's acceptance of her resignation. Despite her resignation, Novák is entitled to all the benefits and allowances that apply to sitting heads of state alike.
These entitlements are outlined by sections 17–22 of Act CX of 2011 on the Status and Remuneration of the President of the Republic.
In addition to her monthly honorarium, which is 1.1 times the honorarium of the Speaker of the House, Novák is entitled to a residency. She could request this even if she owns one or more properties.
According to the law, a one-person staff is also provided for the residence, and the state covers maintenance and utility costs, which we have previously reported on.
“The former president Katalin Novák did not apply for the use of a residence as per section 19 § (1) a) of the Act,” responded the Press Office of the National Assembly to our inquiry. Nevertheless, she is entitled to employ a maximum of three staff members for her secretariat, for which suitable accommodation must be provided.
The costs for the accommodation of the secretariat and other material and personal conditions are financed by the Office of the National Assembly.
Katalin Novák's work is supported by a three-member secretariat, which operates out of the Szabad György Office Building, funded by the central budget. The former head of state is entitled to the use of a vehicle under certain conditions for the rest of her life, with a car and a security driver provided by the police.
According to the law, the president can claim any benefits or services not previously requested at any time until the end of her life.