Ferenc Keresztes-Fischer

Who was Ferenc Keresztes-Fischer?

Ferenc Keresztes-Fischer was a lawyer and a Hungarian politician. He was an advisor of the Pécsi Takarékpénztár Rt. / Pécs Savings Bank Corp. Before he became prefect of Baranya County 1921–1931, prefect of Somogy County 1925–1931 and Interior Minister twice; between 1931–1935 and 1938–1944. He controlled the police terror against left wing movements and against right wing movements. In a secret statement he ordered to collect Press articles. On 12 September 1938, he allowed the OMIKE to increase its activities. During the Second World War he was an active supporter of governor admiral Miklós Horthy, he wrote a book about the Kaiserliche Marine in Chile before the first World War. He joined to the Bethlen-Kállay conservative group, which wanted to make a relation with the United States and the United Kingdom for the treatment with the Allies. After the Nazi occupation he was imprisoned in a concentration camp. He lived in emigration.

After the death of Pál Teleki Keresztes-Fischer became acting Prime Minister on that day. One year later, On 7 March 1942, Bárdossy was forced to resign as prime minister suddenly by Regent Horthy. As Minister of the Interior Ferenc-Keresztes was the interim Prime Minister until 9 March, when Miklós Kállay was appointed to this position.