Hungarian parliament elects new president after ousting Orban ally
Andras Baka, a former head of Hungary's Supreme Court, was nominated for the presidential office by Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar's Tisza party.
On August 11, Hungary's parliament selected Andras Baka, former Supreme Court head and nominee of the ruling Tisza party, as the nation's new president. Baka succeeded Tamas Sulyok, who resigned in July after the Tisza majority passed a constitutional amendment prematurely ending his term. Sulyok's departure came amid Tisza's efforts to purge allies of former Prime Minister Viktor Orban from key government positions, a move aimed at reversing democratic retreat and restoring the rule of law.
The new president was elected by 140 lawmakers out of the 199-member parliament. Orban's Fidesz party boycotted the vote, as they consider Sulyok's removal legitimate. Baka, a 73-year-old jurist and politician, was nominated for the role by pro-European Prime Minister Peter Magyar on August 8. He is set to officially assume the role on August 19.
Baka's career has been marked by a focus on the separation of powers, judicial independence, and the rule of law. Prime Minister Magyar emphasized Baka's acceptance of the position as a great honor and highlighted his commitment to restoring democratic norms and checks and balances. Baka's election marks a shift in Hungary's political landscape, as Fidesz's 16-year rule has been characterized by democratic backsliding, pushing Orban into conflict with the EU. Prime Minister Magyar pledged to reverse course and restore Hungary's standing in Europe.
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