Presidential Council of the Hungarian People's Republic

The Presidential Council of the Hungarian People's Republic was the collective presidency of Hungary during the Communist era. It was created in 1949, following the enactment of a new, Soviet-style constitution that year. As the standing body of the National Assembly (the supreme state organ), it was originally vested with broad powers during the interim of parliamentary sessions. It exercised most of the Assembly's powers between sessions, but could not amend the Constitution. The Presidential Council could also issue edicts in lieu of law. On paper, these edicts had to be ratified by the Assembly at its next session to remain in effect. However, the principles of democratic centralism made such ratification a formality, meaning these edicts de facto had the force of law.

Its jurisdiction was limited throughout the moderate liberalization witnessed during the Kadar era. Along with the state itself, it was abolished on 23 October 1989.

The National Assembly, upon the recommendation of the Presidential Council, elected and relieved the chairman and ministers of the Council of Ministers of their duties.