Hungarian Corvin Chain
The Hungarian Corvin Chain (Hungarian: Magyar Corvin-lánc) is the second highest Hungarian state decoration, after the Hungarian Order of Saint Stephen, and is awarded to persons who have made an outstanding contribution to the improvement of Hungarian public thought, science and culture. Unlike other medal holders, the recipients form a body which meets periodically to discuss the state of Hungary.
| Hungarian Corvin Chain | |
|---|---|
| Awarded by President of Hungary | |
| Type | State decoration |
| Established | 2001 |
| Motto | Pro scientia - litteris - et artibus (For science, literature and the arts) |
| Status | Currently constituted |
| Statistics | |
| First induction | 2001 |
| Last induction | 2018 |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | Hungarian Order of Saint Stephen |
| Next (lower) | Hungarian Order of Honour |
The Corvin Chain Medal was originally established in 1930 by Miklós Horthy, Regent of Hungary. The award was re-established by the Hungarian government in 2001, but after the change of government in 2002, no one was awarded the Corvin chain, the reason given being that it was reminiscent of the Horthy era and the way it was awarded was criticised. Two years after the change of government in 2010, the award was re-issued in 2012.
According to Annex 2 of Act CCII of 2011 on the Use of the Coat of Arms and Flag of Hungary and State Honours, the number of recipients of the Corvin chain may not exceed fifteen at any one time. In 2012, five people were awarded the award, bringing the total number of recipients to 13, and since 2013 it has fallen to 12.
According to Government Decree No. 86/2012 (26.4.2012), the award is the property of the State.