Until a replacement is chosen, Agnes Forsthoffer, the Speaker of Parliament, is fulfilling the role of interim head of state. Parliament is required to select a new president within 30 days.

Chess icon Judit Polgar declined the proposal from Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar on Monday to become the nation’s next president.

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«I do not believe I possess the strength needed to assume the historic duty of uniting a fractured nation, which is why I must refuse the invitation,» Polgar shared on social media.

«I will exert every effort to assist a new, independent, and esteemed President of the Republic in fulfilling these objectives,» she added.

Polgar’s statement followed the public endorsement from the Tisza parliamentary group within the parliament. Nevertheless, opposition voices pointed out that, unlike previous assurances, her nomination did not come after extensive public consultation.

Magyar commented on Polgar’s decision in response.

«Dear Judit, thank you for your contributions to Hungary. I believe I speak for millions of Hungarians when I say that, regardless of the role, we will keep relying on you in the future,» he expressed.

Following the removal of unpopular President Tamás Sulyok through a constitutional amendment last week, Magyar supported Polgar on Sunday evening as «a president all Hungarians can take pride in».

Due to the constitutional revision, President Tamás Sulyok’s term officially ended on Monday.

Leaders of the ruling Tisza party have consistently advocated for the president to be elected directly by citizens rather than by parliament. Consequently, the president chosen in the current process may only hold office temporarily, pending the adoption of a new constitution.