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Chess legend Judit Polgár proposed for Hungarian presidency

Chess legend Judit Polgár proposed for Hungarian presidency

From Cumhuriyet · () Turkish

Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar proposed chess legend Judit Polgár for the presidency.
  • Magyar cited Polgár's integrity, talent, and dedication as qualifications for the role.
  • The proposal follows recent constitutional changes that led to the resignation of the previous president.

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar has proposed chess grandmaster Judit Polgár as a candidate for the country's presidency. Magyar announced his intention on social media, stating that Hungary needs a president who embodies unity, peace, and pride for all Hungarians.

Hungary needs a president who embodies unity, peace, and pride for all Hungarians.

— Peter MagyarHungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar's statement on social media regarding the need for a new president.

Magyar emphasized that the presidential role is not a career but a "public service at the highest level," meant to represent and serve all citizens. He believes Polgár, a globally respected figure, is well-suited for this demanding position. Magyar plans to meet with Polgár to discuss her potential willingness to take on the role until a new constitution is adopted.

the presidential role is not a career but a 'public service at the highest level.'

— Peter MagyarHungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar's description of the presidential office.

The Prime Minister highlighted Polgár's decades of dedication and talent, noting her 26-year reign as the world's top-ranked female player and her achievement of being among the top 10 players globally. He stressed that her standing comes from her skill, hard work, resilience, and honesty, not political connections.

Polgár's name has been associated with talent and determination for decades.

— Peter MagyarHungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar's praise for Judit Polgár's qualifications.

This proposal comes after significant political shifts in Hungary. Prime Minister Magyar had previously called for the resignation of President Tamas Sulyok, whom he described as "Viktor Orban's puppet." Following this, the Hungarian Parliament passed a constitutional amendment to end Sulyok's term, which Sulyok himself signed on July 18. The parliament now has 30 days to elect a new president.

her standing comes from her talent, hard work, resilience, and honesty, not political connections.

— Peter MagyarHungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar's emphasis on Judit Polgár's personal qualities.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.