Duray was a prominent figure in Hungarian politics in Slovakia, renowned for his activism, political leadership, and advocacy for civil rights. Born in Losonc, Czechoslovakia, Duray dedicated his life to championing the rights and interests of the Hungarian community in Slovakia. Trained as a geologist, Duray achieved professional success in his field, but it was his involvement in politics and activism that garnered him widespread recognition. From a young age, he actively engaged in Hungarian community affairs in Czechoslovakia. In the 1970s, he became a target of the Communist Party's surveillance and was blacklisted due to his outspoken opposition to the regime's policies. Duray's commitment to civil rights led him to participate in the Charter '77 movement, a civil rights initiative challenging the Communist regime's human rights abuses. His advocacy and activism led to multiple arrests and imprisonments by the authorities. During the pivotal period of the 1989 regime change, Duray emerged as a key figure, playing a significant role in founding the Együttélés Political Movement. This movement later merged with others to form the Hungarian Coalition Party (MKP), consolidating Duray's influence within Hungarian politics in Slovakia.