Hungary's parliament elects Orban critic as new president
Hungary's parliament has overwhelmingly confirmed Andras Baka, formerly the head of the Supreme Court, to the largely ceremonial role of president. New Prime Minister Peter Magyar controversially removed his predecessor.
Hungary's parliament has elected Andras Baka, a former Supreme Court head and vocal critic of former Prime Minister Viktor Orban, as the country's new president on Tuesday. The move is part of Prime Minister Peter Magyar's efforts to dismantle Orban's legacy after winning the April general elections. Baka, 73, previously served as a judge at the European Court of Human Rights before returning to Hungary in 2009 to become president of the Supreme Court.
He was removed from his role three years before its expiration in 2011. Magyar, who holds a two-thirds majority in parliament, used his power to amend the constitution and shorten President Tamas Sulyok's term, who was appointed by Orban. The vote was a formality due to TISZA party's overwhelming majority in parliament. Orban's Fidesz party boycotted the vote but knew it wouldn't prevent Baka's appointment.
Baka emphasized the need for unity and open debate in Hungary, urging against "revenge" in building the new nation.
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