Zsigmond Kemény

He also took an active part in provincial politics and warmly supported the principles of Count István Széchenyi.

In Pest he discovered others who shared his liberalism and desire for reformation, and for a time was on the staff of the Pesti Hirlap.

His lifelong interest in politics led to him becoming an outspoken public speaker, and in 1848 Kemény was elected a member of the revolutionary diet, promoting the idea of an independent Hungary.

After the failure of Lajos Kossuth's radical nationalist policies, Kemény claimed that these ideas did not best serve the Hungarian people.

[1] Kemény's political work should not overshadow his novels, which were remarkable for their lively dialogue, as well as their pessimistic outlook.