Hungarian PM Proposes Chess Legend Judit Polgár for President

Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar has put forward chess grandmaster Judit Polgár as a potential candidate for the country's presidency. Magyar announced his proposal on Facebook, stating it would be an honor for Hungary if she accepted the nomination.

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It would be a great honor for our country if she accepts this offer.

Polgár, who became a grandmaster at 15, is widely regarded as the most successful female chess player ever. She maintained a top-10 world ranking for 26 years and achieved numerous accolades in the sport. Magyar believes Polgár's career demonstrates a strong commitment to her country, making her a fitting figure for the highest public service.

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Our country needs unity, peace, and a president whom all Hungarians can be proud of.

Correspondent Stefan Bos noted that Polgár is a source of national pride for many Hungarians. He suggested that if Polgár accepts the offer, she would likely secure easy election in parliament, potentially even with opposition support, given Magyar's parliamentary majority. The presidential role in Hungary is primarily ceremonial, though the president can issue vetoes and request reviews of legislation by the Constitutional Court.

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She is someone whom many Hungarians look up to with pride.

Magyar recently amended the constitution to remove the previous president, Tamás Sulyok. He is scheduled to meet with Polgár soon to formally ask if she will accept the role. Bos anticipates that agreements will be made to ensure significant support for Magyar's agenda if Polgár becomes president.

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If she accepts the offer, I suspect she will be easily elected in parliament. Magyar himself has a two-thirds majority, and even the opposition will support that choice. Perhaps not openly, but still.