Hungary’s parliament has elected András Baka, a 73-year-old respected judge and former head of the Supreme Court, as the country’s new president. Baka’s election comes as the government of Prime Minister Péter Magyar works to dismantle the legacy of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The new president will play a key role in overseeing the writing of a new constitution and monitoring the government’s efforts to reform the country’s economic and political systems.
András Baka was elected with 140 votes to 6, despite a boycott by MPs from Orbán’s party, Fidesz. In his speech to parliament, Baka promised a broad debate on the creation of a new constitution and emphasized the importance of democratic values. He also made it clear that he intends to push back against the Hungarian tendency to trust in powerful leaders, saying “the state is not there for itself, it is there for the people.”
Hungarian Presidential Election
The election of András Baka is significant because it marks a major shift in Hungary’s political landscape. Since taking office in May, the Magyar government has passed 27 laws and two constitutional amendments, aimed at reversing Orbán’s legacy. The government has also abolished the Sovereignty Protection Office, which was used to attack critical journalists and NGOs, and established a new office to investigate and prosecute individuals accused of stealing state funds.
Baka’s background as a judge and his experience as the Hungarian judge at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg make him a strong candidate for the role. However, his election is also seen as a transitional move, with the new president likely to serve only until a new constitution is in place or for a maximum of five years. Baka has already made it clear that he opposes some of the government’s reforms, including the limitation of MPs’ terms, which he sees as an intrusion on the right of voters to freely choose their representatives.
Implications of the Election
The election of András Baka has significant implications for Hungary’s future. The country is undergoing a major overhaul of its government and institutions, and the new president will play a key role in shaping the country’s direction. The Magyar government’s reforms aim to restore democratic values and limit the power of the executive, but they have also been criticized by Fidesz, which accuses the government of establishing a “tyranny”.
The outcome of this process will have far-reaching consequences for Hungary and its people. As the country navigates this period of significant change, the role of the president and the government will be crucial in determining the country’s future. The election of András Baka is a significant step in this process, and his leadership will be closely watched in the coming months and years. Hungary’s transition to a more democratic and accountable government is a significant development in European politics, and its outcome will have broader significance for the region and beyond.
