Due to the coronavirus epidemic, the Kossuth and Széchenyi Prizes ceremony will be held at a later date, Zoltán Kovács, head of the operational corps responsible for the safe implementation of national commemorations announced in the programme ‘Arena’ of Inforadio on Thursday.

Mr Kovács recalled that, due to the coronavirus situation, they had decided earlier on the cancellation of central commemorative programmes, including the Prime Minister’s address in the Museum Garden.

Both the highest Hungarian state awards for artistic and cultural excellence, the Kossuth Prizes and the highest Hungarian state awards for academic excellence, the Széchenyi Prizes are customarily handed over on the occasion of the 15 March national holiday.

Mr Kovács said the list of laureates will be released on the occasion of the national holiday; however, the ceremony will be held at a later date.

(MTI)