BUDAPEST: Hungary’s parliament on Monday elected a political novice as the new president in the wake of a scandal that led to the resignation of his predecessor, sparking the country’s largest political crisis in years.
Following the resignation of former President Katalin Novak, who caused uproar by pardoning a convicted child abuser’s accomplice, parliament approved the nomination of Tamas Sulyok, the head of the Constitutional Court. Sulyok, 67, will assume office on March 5, succeeding Novak as Hungary’s president.
Mass Protests Across Hungary
The scandal surrounding Novak’s pardon decision triggered mass protests across Hungary and intensified criticism against Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government. Novak’s resignation marked a significant setback for Orban, who has faced mounting challenges to his leadership since returning to power in 2010.
Sulyok, relatively unknown to the public, has served as a constitutional court judge since 2014 and assumed the role of court head in 2016. While his nomination was supported by the ruling Fidesz party, opposition parties raised concerns about his lack of political experience.
Orban defended Sulyok’s appointment, citing his “vast experience, respected knowledge, and undisputed authority.” However, critics argue that Sulyok’s appointment represents a conservative choice and may lead to a “duller” presidency compared to Novak’s more dynamic tenure.
In response to public outrage over the scandal, Orban has pledged to tighten laws to prevent convicted child abusers from receiving clemency and enhance vetting procedures for people working with children.
