On 6 August István Friedrich, leader of the White House Comrades Association (a right-wing, counter-revolutionary group), seized power in a bloodless coup with the backing of the Royal Romanian Army.[7] The next day, Joseph August declared himself regent of Hungary (he held the position until 23 August, when he was forced to resign)[18] and appointed Friedrich as Prime Minister. The state was formally dissolved by the new government on 8 August 1919.