József Halzl


József Halzl was a mechanical engineer, co-founder of the Hungarian Democratic Forum and Honorary Life Chairman of the Rákóczi Association.

Early life

József Halzl was born in Győr on 19 December 1933. On his father's side, his family originates from Szenc ; his mother was a native of Sopronkeresztúr.
Having pursued his studies in Ács, Pannonhalma, Hatvan and Budapest, he matriculated from the II. Rákóczi Ferenc High School in Budapest. He graduated in mechanical engineering at the Budapest University of Technology in 1957, later obtaining a doctorate at the same institution.
Having participated in the Revolution of 1956 as a fifth-year student at the University of Technology, he wrote a diary as events unfolded. The diary was published following Hungary's transition to democracy.

Career

Pursuing his professional career in the field of energetics, he worked on research concerning thermal power stations at the Energy Research Institute prior to democratic transition.
Between 1991 and 1994, he was leader of Hungary's largest company as CEO of the Hungarian Electricity Works. During Hungary's transition to a democratic political system, he actively participated in the work of the Hungarian Democratic Forum, serving as party director for a period.
He was Chairman of the Rákóczi Association between 1990 and 2018. In 2018, he was elected the Association's Honorary Life Chairman.
In addition to his work with the Rákóczi Association, his social activity included the organization of the youth community of the Városmajor Roman Catholic Parish, Budapest, from the 1980s. He was also leader of the Héra Foundation, committed to assisting the energy consumption of underprivileged households.
An expert in playing the piano himself, his life had been defined by a fondness of classical music.

Chief works

1956-os napló. Rákóczi Association, 2006Rákóczi jegyében. Halzl Józseffel beszélget Cservenka Judit.. Kairosz, Budapest, 2011. 1956-os napló. 2., jav. kiad.. Rákóczi Association, 2016

Major awards

Halzl was the recipient of the following: