Former judge removed by Orbán elected Hungarian president

Hungary's parliament has elected András Baka, a former judge and head of the Supreme Court, as the new president. This largely figurehead role comes as the new government, led by Prime Minister Péter Magyar, seeks to dismantle the legacy of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Baka's responsibilities will include overseeing the drafting of a new constitution and monitoring the government's efforts to reform the political and economic landscape. The Magyar government has already passed numerous laws and constitutional amendments, including canceling states of emergency and abolishing the Sovereignty Protection Office. Baka, who previously served as a judge at the European Court of Human Rights, stated his intention to foster broad debate on the new constitution and emphasized that the state exists for the people. He is expected to serve as a transitional figure until the new constitution is enacted.

Hungary's parliament has elected Andras Baka, a former Supreme Court chief and critic of Viktor Orban, as the country's new president. Baka, nominated by the Tisza party which holds a constitutional majority, received 140 votes in a secret ballot. He replaces Tamas Sulyok, an Orban appointee who was recently ousted by constitutional amendment. Baka's confirmation is seen as a repudiation of Orban's legacy by Hungary's new leaders, as Tisza continues to dismantle Orban-era political structures. Baka previously served as a judge on the European Court of Human Rights and headed Hungary's Supreme Court before being removed for criticizing Orban's government reforms. He will assume office on August 19.

Hungary's Parliament has elected András Baka, former chief justice of the Supreme Court, as the country's new president. This appointment is part of the governing Tisza party's effort to dismantle power structures established during former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's tenure. Baka was elected in a secret ballot with 140 votes in favor, while Orbán's Fidesz party boycotted the vote. The new government aims to restore democratic norms, which they argue were eroded under Orbán. Baka, who was previously removed as chief justice under Orbán's government, stated that while past abuses must be investigated, political change should not involve "revenge." The election follows the removal of the previous president, Tamás Sulyok, through a constitutional amendment.

Hungarian lawmakers elected Andras Baka as the country's next president on Tuesday. Baka, a former chief of the supreme court and a critic of Viktor Orban, was previously dismissed during Orban's premiership. This appointment follows the contested removal of the previous president, an Orban ally, last month. The election of Baka, who also served as a judge on the European Court of Human Rights, is part of Prime Minister Peter Magyar's efforts to reduce Orban's influence over state institutions. The ruling Tisza party, holding a two-thirds majority in parliament, supported Baka's nomination.