Had she accepted, Judit Polgar would have become Hungary’s first woman and first Jewish person to take on the largely ceremonial role of President of Hungary. After removing the previous Orban-appointed President, Hungary must now amend its Constitution for a permanent replacement. Polgar would have fulfilled the role temporarily until that happens. Magyar wrote, “Hungary needs unity, peace, and a President whom every Hungarian can be proud of. Personally, I would consider it a tremendous honor if she accepts the invitation.” Alas, it was not to be.
Source: TVP World
Hungarian chess legend Judit Polgár has declined Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s proposal that she become the country’s next president, saying she does not feel equipped to unite a divided nation.
Magyar had proposed Polgár, widely regarded as the greatest female chess player in history, for the largely ceremonial post, saying she could represent national unity.
In a statement on Monday, Polgár called the nomination “an honor of my life” but said she lacked the strength to take on “the historical responsibility” of bridging Hungary’s divisions, pledging instead to support whoever is ultimately chosen.
The nomination came a day after outgoing President Tamás Sulyok signed a constitutional amendment, passed by Magyar’s ruling Tisza party, ending his term as head of state.