János Mayer

Who was János Mayer?

János Mayer was a Hungarian politician, who served as Minister of Agriculture twice: between 1921-1922 and 1924-1931. He farmed on his parents' possession after the accomplishment of his studies. He was already engaged in the smallholder movements in his early years. With István Szabó de Nagyatád he founded the Smallholders Party in Heves County. He became a member of the Diet of Hungary in 1914, representing Kápolna and his party. He was appointed secretary of state of the Ministry of Food in January 1919, but he resigned before the establishing of the Hungarian Soviet Republic.

He was a minister without portfolio in the István Friedrich cabinet. After that István Bethlen appointed him Minister of Food and later Minister of Agriculture. He reappointed agriculture minister in 1924, Mayer held this position until 1931. He was the chairman of the Unity Party until 1 November 1924. After the death of István Szabó de Nagyatád he was the leader of the smallholders group which supported Bethlen.