Losonczi Bánffy György, Erdély kormányzója
George Bánffy of Losoncz, the Governor of Transylvania

Summary/Abstract: Focusing on Bánffy's political role in the 1790s, the paper has two goals. On the one hand, it tries to call the attention of scholars to the ‘forgotten’ governor, on the other hand, it presents new facts about his era. George Bánffy served his homeland as governor for thirty five years. In spite of this, no biographies or monographs have been dedicated to his life. Bánffy was appointed the head of Transylvania by Joseph II. After the emperor’s death, it became rather difficult for him to remain in his position. But for the support of his clients and freemasons, whom he had helped earlier, it would have been even harder for him to remain the head of the gubernium. He had a lot to thank to the political ideology which enabled him to force the ruler, the Diet and the three nations of Transylvania (Hun-garians, Szeklers, Saxons) to make a compromise with each other.

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