Hungary: Premier wants chess star Polgar as new president

Hungary's newly appointed Prime Minister, Peter Magyar, has announced his intention to nominate chess legend Judit Polgár for the position of State President. Magyar revealed his plan on Facebook, stating he would meet with the 49-year-old Polgár to request she accept the "great honor" of the nomination.

The presidential office is currently vacant following the impeachment of Tamas Suylok by parliament. Suylok was considered a political ally of the recently ousted right-wing populist leader, Viktor Orban. In Hungary, the head of state is elected by parliament, where Magyar's Tisza party holds a two-thirds majority.

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Since decades the name Judit Polgár stands for talent and perseverance. As the most successful female chess player in history, she led the women's world ranking uninterruptedly for 26 years and was simultaneously among the top ten players in the world ranking.

Magyar highlighted Polgár's distinguished career, describing her as a symbol of talent and perseverance. He noted her record as the most successful female chess player in history, maintaining the top women's world ranking for 26 consecutive years while also ranking among the top ten players globally. Polgár retired from professional chess over a decade ago but remains active in promoting the sport and supports education and equal opportunities through her foundation.

Polgár has no prior political experience. Her potential nomination marks a significant shift, bringing a prominent figure from the world of sports and intellectual achievement into the highest office of the state.

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the great honor