Hegedüs government

The Hegedüs government led Hungary for eighteen months, spanning from April 18, 1955 to October 24, 1956. It officially operated as the Council of Ministers of the Hungarian People's Republic and was helmed by András Hegedüs, who served as the Chairman of the Council of Ministers.

Background
In the aftermath of World War II, the country embarked on the construction of a socialist foundation based on the Stalinist model. The challenges of rebuilding the economy and industrializing in the face of limited resources were compounded by internal disputes within the ruling Hungarian Working People's Party, particularly regarding political and economic strategies.

Matyas Rakosi, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Hungarian Working People's Party, pursued orthodox Stalinist policies, emulating those implemented in the USSR. By the end of 1949, extensive nationalization had taken place, bringing key sectors under state control. The accelerated collectivization of agriculture commenced, with 1,500 production cooperatives established by the middle of the year. Rakosi, faced with international tensions and the outbreak of the Korean War, believed in expediting the establishment of socialism, even resorting to reprisals.

A counterposition emerged, led by Imre Nagy, a former Minister of Agriculture (Hungary) known for overseeing agrarian reform. Nagy criticized Rakosi's approach, advocating for socialist reform. The death of Joseph Stalin in 1953 weakened Rakosi's position, as new Soviet leaders favored moderate reforms and a departure from Stalinism. In July 1956, Imre Nagy replaced Rakosi as the head of the government, steering away from forced industrialization and promoting democratization.

However, Nagy's tenure faced opposition, leading to his condemnation by the Central Committee in March 1955. Despite this, Nagy retained support, especially among intellectuals, youth, and certain press organs. Unable to reinstate himself or appoint loyal comrades to key positions, Rakosi supported the candidacy of András Hegedüs, a 33-year-old ally, as the head of the Council of Ministers.

Hegedüs, aligned with Rakosi's policies, collaborated with the Rákosi group in sidelining Nagy's supporters and implemented a Five-Year Plans of Hungary. The government signed the Warsaw Pact on May 14, 1955. During the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, Hegedüs initially supported Ernő Gerő, but later, as the situation evolved, left his post along with most of his cabinet members.