In the midst of Hungary’s political turbulence, the nation’s parliament has appointed a newcomer to the political arena as president following the departure of Katalin Novak, whose controversial pardon of a convicted individual in a child abuse scandal ignited widespread outrage.
This development marks a significant juncture in Hungarian politics, amplifying what is deemed as the most substantial political challenge to the tenure of nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban since his ascent to power in 2010.
Sulyok, the New President
Last week, the ruling party Fidesz chose Tamas Sulyok, 67, who is currently the head of the Constitutional Court to
replace Novak. On Monday, the parliament, where Fidesz has a two-thirds majority along with the Christian Democratic People’s Party, agreed to his appointment, and he then took the oath of office.
He will officially become president on March 5th. Sulyok, who isn’t well-known to most people, became a judge in the Constitutional Court back in 2014 and became its head two years later.
Hungary protests against Novak
In April 2023, Novak pardoned 24 people, which included the deputy director of the children’s home who was known for covering up crimes along with the former director of all the institutions. President Novak’s decision
sparked widespread outrage, prompting opposition parties and thousands of demonstrators to demand her resignation at her office.
In an effort to appease public outrage surrounding the pardon scandal, Orban has pledged to enact stricter regulations aimed at prohibiting convicted child abusers from being eligible for clemency.
Hungary in highlights
Hungary has been making headlines lately for two main reasons: one involving controversy surrounding its
president, and the other being Hungary’s parliament finally voting to ratify Sweden’s NATO membership bid.
This decision concludes over 18 months of delays, which have been a source of frustration for the alliance as it endeavors to expand in response to Russia’s conflict with Ukraine.
