Strategic move by Hungary’s Magyar as he picks chess prodigy for president

Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar has announced his intention to ask Judit Polgár, a renowned chess player, to assume the largely ceremonial role of president. This move follows a constitutional amendment that ended the term of the previous president, Tamás Sulyok, who had been appointed during former leader Viktor Orbán's tenure. Magyar stated that the country needs a president who can unite Hungarians and that Polgár embodies talent and perseverance. The prime minister plans to meet with Polgár to discuss the position, which she would hold until a new constitution is adopted. This development is part of Magyar's broader efforts to reduce Orbán's influence in Hungary.

Hungary's President Tamás Sulyok has agreed to step down immediately after signing a constitutional amendment passed by Prime Minister Péter Magyar's Tisza party. The amendment cites a "serious loss of confidence" in Sulyok, who was elected in early 2024 by the former ruling Fidesz party. Sulyok stated he had no choice but to sign the legislation, but warned it harmed the rule of law. This move is part of Magyar's effort to dismantle former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's power structures following his party's election victory in April. The parliament will elect a new president, and the parliament speaker will serve as interim president. The amendment also introduces a 12-year term limit for lawmakers and a retirement age for constitutional court judges.

Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok has agreed to end his term, signing a constitutional amendment that will see him step down at midnight on Sunday. The law change was passed by Prime Minister Péter Magyar's Tisza party in parliament, which sought to remove Sulyok, perceived as a loyalist of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Sulyok had a five-day deadline to sign the amendment to avoid impeachment proceedings. While agreeing to the change, Sulyok stated the amendment represented a violation of the rule of law and a "breaking point in Hungarian constitutional democracy." The Tisza government has enacted significant constitutional changes since its landslide victory in April, viewing Sulyok as a figurehead of the previous administration. Orbán had previously characterized the amendment as an act of tyranny.