Succession Plans Unveiled After Hungarian President’s Resignation
Katalin Novák Resigns as President of Hungary Amid Pardon Scandal
In a surprising turn of events, Katalin Novák, who was elected as the President of Hungary in May 2022, has resigned from her position following a scandal related to her decision to pardon the helper of a child abuser. The resignation has sparked discussions about the future leadership of the country and the political implications of this move.
According to the laws governing the presidency, Novák’s resignation does not mean an immediate end to her tenure. She will remain in office for at least two weeks, as the departure cannot take place earlier than 15 days after the resignation. In the meantime, the Speaker of the House, László Kövér, will assume temporary responsibilities and become the commander-in-chief of the Hungarian Army.
The Hungarian parliament now has 30 days to elect a new president. Candidates must secure at least 1/5th of the MPs’ support to be eligible for the voting. Given Prime Minister Orbán’s supermajority, it is expected that he will have a significant influence in selecting Hungary’s next president.
In her statement addressing the Hungarian people, Novák expressed her love for the nation and her commitment to serving its citizens. She admitted her mistake in issuing the pardon and acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue, especially in cases involving the abuse of children. However, she emphasized her dedication to protecting children and families and expressed her regret for any offence caused.
In response to Novák’s resignation, former justice minister Judit Varga also announced her retirement from public life, resigning from her mandate as an MP and from her position leading the EP list of the governing Fidesz-Christian-Democrat alliance. Varga cited her political responsibility for countersigning the president’s decision and expressed her decision to step down.
As Hungary prepares for the selection of a new president, the political landscape is poised for potential changes. The resignation of Novák and Varga from public life may have implications for the upcoming municipal and EU elections, as the opposition seeks to capitalize on the opportunity to gain political advantage and challenge Fidesz’s dominance.
The events in Hungary raise questions about the future leadership of the country and the potential impact on its political dynamics. With the selection of a new president on the horizon, the coming weeks will be crucial for Hungary’s political landscape.
