Hungary is undergoing a significant political transition following the election earlier this year that ended the 16-year tenure of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Since Péter Magyar took office as the new prime minister, his administration has initiated reforms including curbing government propaganda on public media and replacing Orbán loyalists in key judicial, police, and military positions.
One of the most notable recent developments has been the removal of Tamás Sulyok, the Orbán-appointed president, who was compelled to sign a constitutional amendment terminating his own term in July. Following Sulyok’s departure, Magyar invited public input on potential successors through social media channels, encouraging citizens, public figures, and NGOs to suggest candidates for the presidency. The president of Hungary is elected by parliament, specifically by the 141 MPs of Magyar’s ruling Tisza party, but no official mechanism exists for public nominations.
Social media discussions highlighted a range of unconventional candidates, including the meme-famous retired electrical engineer András Arató, known as “Hide the Pain Harold,” along with Nobel laureate biochemist Katalin Karikó and Rubik’s Cube inventor Ernő Rubik. Content creator Eszter Jámbor, who solicited suggestions on Instagram, emphasized a mix of humor and openness in the current political climate, reflecting the broader societal change since Orbán’s ousting.
Despite this, controversy arose when Magyar prematurely announced the nomination of chess grandmaster Judit Polgár without broader consultation, prompting her to decline the candidacy and triggering public criticism. Magyar apologized for the “miscommunication,” and poll data indicated a slight decline in support for his party following the incident. Architect Imre Ónádi, who leads an online campaign supporting conservative politician Péter Márki-Zay, welcomed Polgár’s refusal, stating the nomination process should involve more thorough discussion and public engagement.
Magyar has also met with other well-known potential candidates, including historian Ignác Romsics and lawyer Botond Fülöp, the latter noted for exposing a child abuse pardon scandal that led to the resignation of former president Katalin Novák in 2024. Magyar has indicated his preference for an independent candidate free from political party affiliations.
The Tisza party is expected to select and swear in a new president by 19 August. Although the opposition Fidesz party, with its 44 MPs, retains the technical ability to propose a candidate, it has announced it will abstain from participating in the election, citing the dismissal of Sulyok as unlawful. With no other party able to meet the nomination threshold, the decision remains firmly in the hands of the ruling majority.
Amnesty International Hungary has expressed support for the legitimacy of Sulyok’s removal but questioned the procedural approach employed by Magyar’s government, suggesting that impeachment procedures could have been pursued instead. A representative from their Budapest office cautioned that the current administration, holding a parliamentary supermajority, should avoid replicating the tactics used by its predecessor.
As Hungary navigates this evolving political landscape, the selection of a new president marks a critical measure of the country’s commitment to democratic processes and public inclusion in governance decisions.