Press release, 09.06.2026.

Tribute and wreath-laying at tomb of Károly Keleti

The Hungarian Central Statistical Office (HCSO) commemorated Károly Keleti, the father of national official statistics, with wreath-laying and tribute on 29 May 2026, on the occasion of the 134th anniversary of his death. Deputy President Dr. Tamás Tóth, Head of Department Péter Tóth and professional co-ordinator Boglárka Petra Varga represented HCSO at the commemoration held in the Farkasrét Cemetery. The management of the Keleti Károly Faculty of Business and Management of the Óbuda University: Dean Prof. Dr. Mónika Garai-Fodor, as well as Vice Deans Prof. Dr. Ágnes Csiszárik-Kocsir and Dr. Habil. János Varga took part at the event. Besides, Piroska Pál, economist teacher at the Keleti Károly Technical School of Economics, and three students of the school were also present, to pay tribute together to the enduring merits of the founding director of the Office.

It was the professional activity and the organising power of Károly Keleti that grounded modern Hungarian statistics. From 1867, he headed the newly founded Statistics Section of the Ministry for Agricultural, Industrial and Commercial Affairs. When the section turned into an independent statistical office in 1871, he became its director, and filled this position until his death in 1892. Despite the disciplined professional and official role, he was an exceptionally colourful character: though few people know, he was fighting in the War of Independence of 1848–49 as an artilleryman hardly at the age of 15, and was walking in nature as a passionate hunter in everyday life.

Those interested can become more familiar with the paths of life and major works of the founding director and the other renowned predecessors on the subpage ‘Great Hungarian statisticians’ (only in Hungarian), available on HCSO’s website. This continuously extended digital pantheon contains 15 portraits at present, and professional appreciation for each, together with a selected bibliography of the most important works. In addition, the literature of a further 12 great statisticians can be browsed on the interface. The Office recalls the memories of great predecessors in the form of videos, too. After the episodes presenting the oeuvre of Gyula Vargha and László Buday, the next part of the video series will be made exactly on Károly Keleti.

Hungarian Central Statistical Office
H-1024 Budapest, Keleti Károly utca 5–7. Phone number: (+36-1) 345-6000
Postal address: H-1525 Budapest, P.O.Box 51
www.ksh.hu