Karoly Grosz Hungarian party, political and state figure Date of Birth: 01.08.1930 Country: Hungary

1. Early Life and Political Awakening
2. Communist Party Involvement
3. Military Service and Disillusionment
4. Hungarian Revolution and Rebuilding
5. Further Career in the Party
6. Rise through the Ranks
7. Prime Minister and Party Leader
8. Resignation and Later Life

Early Life and Political Awakening

Károly Grósz was born on August 1, 1930, in Miskolc, Hungary. His father was an active Communist Party supporter, and according to official accounts, both his father and grandfather were communist underground fighters, providing him with a politically charged upbringing.

Communist Party Involvement

At the age of 15, Grósz joined the Communist Party of Hungary (later renamed the Hungarian Working People's Party) and worked as an apprentice typesetter in a printing house. In 1948, he was elected secretary of the Communist Hungarian Youth Union and later held positions in the Hungarian Working People's Party's county and central committees.

Military Service and Disillusionment

In 1950, Grósz joined the Hungarian People's Army as a political officer. During this time, he witnessed the dissatisfaction with the communist regime's leadership. However, the changes in the USSR in 1956, including the criticism of Stalin's cult of personality, encouraged him to remain in the party.

Hungarian Revolution and Rebuilding

During the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, Grósz assumed the role of first secretary of the Communist Party in Borsod County, leading the party organization through a tumultuous period. In the aftermath of the revolution, he became a member of the re-established Hungarian Socialist Workers' Party.

Further Career in the Party

After the revolution, Grósz held various positions within the party, including chief editor of a local newspaper, secretary of the Hungarian radio and television party committee, and deputy head of the party's agitation and propaganda department. He also completed his education at the Budapest University of Economics.

Rise through the Ranks

In 1973, Grósz became first secretary of the Fejér County Committee of the Hungarian Socialist Workers' Party. In 1974, he was transferred to Budapest as head of the party's agitation and propaganda department. As a proponent of press freedom, he advocated for transparent reporting in socialist countries.

Prime Minister and Party Leader

On June 25, 1987, Grósz became Prime Minister of the Hungarian People's Republic. On May 22, 1988, he was elected General Secretary of the Hungarian Socialist Workers' Party. During his time in office, he initiated reforms that paved the way for Hungary's transition to a multi-party democracy.

Resignation and Later Life

In October 1989, Grósz resigned from both the premiership and the leadership of the party. He continued to play a minor role in Hungarian politics until his retirement in 1994. Grósz passed away on February 7, 1996.