Chess legend Judit Polgár rejects Hungarian president offer

Hungarian President Peter Magyar's bid to install international chess legend Judit Polgár as the country's next president has been rebuffed by the grandmaster herself. Magyar had publicly announced his intention to nominate Polgár, expressing hope that her stature could help bridge divides within the nation.

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I do not feel strong enough to take on the historical responsibility of uniting a divided nation, and therefore I cannot accept this invitation.

However, Polgár took to social media to reject the offer, stating, "I do not feel strong enough to take on the historical responsibility of uniting a divided nation, and therefore I cannot accept this invitation." She did, however, express appreciation for Magyar's intention to put forward an independent, non-partisan candidate.

Correspondent Stefan Bos described Polgár's refusal as a blow to Prime Minister Magyar, who had hoped to rally the country around a prominent figure. The situation leaves Hungary in a political impasse, with the recent departure of former President Sulyok necessitating the selection of a new head of state. A heated parliamentary debate is expected.

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He had really hoped to bring the country together with a huge star like Judit Polgár as president.

Adding a layer of complexity, reports suggest that Polgár's past ties to the previous Orbán government could pose a challenge. She allegedly received approximately 1.9 million euros from Orbán's administration through her company and a foundation to expand chess in Hungary. This funding is particularly sensitive as the new prime minister aims to scrutinize how his predecessor allocated public money.

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They are in a deadlock now, because a new president must be appointed.