Magyar Announces Presidential Nomination
Hungary's Prime Minister Péter Magyar has announced plans to ask Judit Polgár, widely considered the greatest female chess player of all time, to take on the largely ceremonial role of president. Magyar said he would meet Polgár on Monday to discuss the matter. “Our country needs unity, peace and a president that all Hungarians can be proud of,” he wrote on social media. “Judit Polgár’s name has been synonymous with talent and perseverance for decades.”
Political Background
The announcement follows a months-long standoff between Magyar and Tamás Sulyok, the president appointed during former leader Viktor Orbán’s time in power. Since his landslide victory in April, Magyar has repeatedly called on Sulyok to step down, accusing him of being an Orbán “puppet” who failed to stand up for democratic institutions. Last week, Hungary’s parliament – where Magyar’s Tisza party holds a two-thirds majority – voted to back a constitutional amendment that included an immediate end to Sulyok’s term. From there, Sulyok had five days to sign off on the amendment.
Criticism and Support
The manoeuvre was criticised by several rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, who warned that the rushed constitutional changes were “reminiscent of [the] Fidesz era”. Magyar insisted the changes are needed to loosen Orbán’s grip. As news emerged that Sulyok had signed the legislation, Magyar proposed nominating Polgár. The idea was first floated in an open letter signed by 16 prominent Hungarians, including Ernő Rubik, the inventor of the Rubik’s Cube.
Polgár's Legacy
Born in Budapest, Polgár, who will turn 50 in a few days, was the top-ranked female player for 25 years when she retired in 2014. At age 15, she became the youngest grandmaster in the world, breaking the record set in 1958 by Bobby Fischer. Her rise in the male-dominated world of chess – including victories against several male world champions, such as Garry Kasparov in 2002 – was captured in the 2026 Netflix documentary Queen of Chess.
Next Steps
Magyar said he would ask her to serve in the new role until a new constitution is passed. The appointment, which must be voted on by parliament but is expected to pass easily given Tisza’s majority, carries a maximum term of five years. Since taking power, Magyar and his party have moved swiftly to dismantle Orbán’s legacy, from suspending news broadcasts by public media outlets to abolishing the sovereignty protection office.
