Hungary's PM to Nominate Chess Queen Judit Polgár as New President
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced his intention to nominate former chess champion Judit Polgár as the country's next president.
- Magyar stated that Hungary needs a president who embodies unity, peace, and national pride, qualities he associates with Polgár.
- Polgár, a renowned chess grandmaster, is the only woman to have reached the top 10 in the male-dominated sport and has won multiple championships.
Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar has revealed his intention to nominate Judit Polgár, the world-renowned former chess champion, as Hungary's next president. Magyar, who recently ended Viktor Orbán's 16-year tenure, made the announcement following a significant political shift in the country.
Polgár's name is synonymous with talent and perseverance.
Magyar expressed his belief that Polgár's name is synonymous with talent and perseverance. He emphasized that Hungary urgently requires a leader who can foster unity, peace, and inspire national pride. "The presidency is the highest form of public service," Magyar stated, adding that it would be an honor if Polgár accepted the nomination.
Hungary urgently needs a president who embodies unity, peace, and national pride, someone all citizens can be proud of.
Judit Polgár, born in Budapest in 1976, is celebrated for her extraordinary chess career. She achieved the prestigious title of Grandmaster at the young age of 15 and is the only woman to have broken into the top 10 world rankings in chess, a sport historically dominated by men. Polgár has secured multiple championship titles, including two team gold medals and three individual gold medals at the Chess Olympiads in 1988 and 1990.
The presidency is the highest form of public service.
This nomination follows a period of political transition in Hungary. In April, the centrist Tisza Party, led by Magyar, defeated the Fidesz party, associated with former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Subsequently, the Hungarian parliament approved a constitutional amendment allowing for the removal of the previous president, Tamás Sulyok, who was considered an ally of Orbán. Sulyok resigned on July 18 after signing the amendment, which shortens presidential terms and grants the prime minister the power to appoint and dismiss the president.
It would be a great honor if former player Polgár accepts the presidential appointment.
Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.