Prime Minister Péter Magyar proposed Judit Polgár, widely regarded as the greatest female chess player of all time, to serve as Hungary's next president. Polgár is the only woman to have crossed the 2700-rating threshold, a distinction often considered the Super GM level. Magyar stated that the country needs unity, peace, and a head of state that all Hungarians can be proud of, noting that Polgár's name has been synonymous with talent and perseverance for decades.
The proposal comes after Hungarian lawmakers removed president Tamas Sulyok from office. Sulyok, an ally of Viktor Orban, was accused by Magyar of being a puppet of the former prime minister. Until a new president is elected, Speaker of Parliament Agnes Forsthoffer is serving as the interim head of state, as Parliament is required to elect a successor within 30 days.
While lawmakers of the ruling Tisza party unanimously supported the nomination, the bid ultimately failed. After meeting with Polgár on Monday to ask if she would accept the largely ceremonial role until a new constitution is adopted, the former world No. 1 chess player declined. This represents the first major setback for Prime Minister Magyar since taking office.