Budapest Protest Calls for President Novák’s Resignation
Protestors in Budapest demand the resignation of President Katalin Novák and former Justice Minister Judit Varga
A group of protestors held a demonstration in Budapest on Friday, calling for the resignation of President Katalin Novák and for former Justice Minister Judit Varga to withdraw from public life. The demonstration was sparked by Novák’s presidential pardon granted to a former deputy head of a children’s home in Bicske, near Budapest, who was convicted of being an accomplice in paedophile crimes.
The demonstrators gathered in front of the interior ministry to voice their opposition to Novák’s decision. Edit Simkó, a teacher and one of the protest organizers, emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable children and called out Novák and Varga for their pardoning of someone who harmed innocent children.
Gergő Kiss, a leading member of the Unified Student Front, also expressed his concern at the protest, stating that the state had failed children in several ways and called for compensation for the victims.
The protest was attended by several left-wing politicians, including Socialist Party deputy leader Gábor Harangozó and MEP István Ujhelyi. An additional demonstration organized by opposition Momentum took place in front of the presidential Sándor Palace.
Momentum lawmaker Anna Orosz stated that Novák’s pardon was an insult to the victims and questioned the belief in a just world and the fundamental principle of not harming children. She further emphasized the need for solidarity with the victims and demanded justice for the children affected by the crimes.
The protests come in the wake of a survey that found 74 percent of Hungarians believe Novák should resign. Opposition party Párbeszéd is set to submit a proposal to parliament on strengthening child protection.
Attila Pető, a victim of sexual abuse, called on Novák and Varga to apologize to the victims and take responsibility for their actions. In response, the opposition Democratic Coalition (DK) announced a plan to initiate the criminalization of complicity in paedophile crimes in European law.
The demonstrations and calls for change highlight the growing discontent with the current leadership’s handling of sensitive issues and the need for stronger measures to protect vulnerable members of society.
