Péter Magyar Seeks New Hungarian President After Sulyok Departure

Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar is leading the search for a new president after Tamás Sulyok was forced to sign a constitutional amendment ending his own term in July. Magyar has sought public suggestions for candidates but faced a backlash after quickly nominating chess grandmaster Judit Polgár, who declined the position. The incident contributed to a 3% decline in popularity for the ruling Tisza party.

Magyar has since met with historian Ignác Romsics and lawyer Botond Fülöp, emphasizing that the final candidate must remain politically independent. While social media polls indicate public interest in figures such as inventor Ernő Rubik and meme star András Arató, the administration continues its vetting process.

The Tisza party, which holds 141 parliamentary seats, intends to swear in a new president by August 19. Meanwhile, the opposition Fidesz party has refused to participate in the election, asserting that the removal of Sulyok was unlawful.