Hungary elects Andras Baka as new president, signaling shift from Orban era

Hungary's parliament has elected Andras Baka, the former head of the Supreme Court, as the nation's new president. This symbolic move is part of Prime Minister Peter Magyar's agenda to dismantle the power bases established during the 16-year tenure of former Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Baka secured the largely ceremonial post with votes from the ruling Tisza party. Members of the opposition Fidesz party did not participate in the vote. In his inaugural address, Baka criticized the previous government, stating that "one party captured the state" and that there was a lack of separated powers and functional institutional checks and balances under Orban's leadership.

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one party captured the state

Despite the criticisms, Baka emphasized the need for "justice and restraint" in building Hungary's future, highlighting the president's role in representing citizens with diverse views. He cautioned against seeking revenge, stating, "There is one thing we certainly cannot do, we cannot build the new Hungary for revenge."

The election of Baka follows Magyar's victory in April, which ended Orban's long rule. Magyar has pledged to restore democratic standards and has called for officials appointed during Orban's era to resign. The removal of former president Tamas Sulyok, whom Magyar labeled an "Orban puppet," was a key objective. Sulyok's presidency ended after he signed a constitutional amendment that effectively ended his term.

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There is one thing that we certainly cannot do, we cannot build the new Hungary for revenge.