Hungary Elects New President After Scandal

Hungarys parliament elected Tamás Sulyok as the new president, replacing the previous president who resigned due to a scandal. Sulyok, a lawyer and former head of the Constitutional Court, received 134 votes in favor, while five lawmakers opposed his appointment. Several opposition parties boycotted the vote, calling for direct presidential elections instead. Sulyok pledged to uphold the law and avoid political involvement, despite the largely ceremonial role of the president in Hungary.

On Monday, Hungary's parliament elected a new president, Tamás Sulyok, following the resignation of the previous president due to a scandal involving a pardon granted to an accomplice in a child sexual abuse case. Lawmakers approved Sulyok's appointment in a secret vote, with 134 votes in favor and five against.

Opposition Parties' Concerns

Several opposition parties boycotted the vote, advocating for direct presidential elections rather than parliamentary appointments. They expressed concerns that the new president would be a mere "party soldier" of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Sulyok's Background and Stance

Tamás Sulyok, a 67-year-old lawyer, previously served as the head of Hungary's Constitutional Court. In his speech after the appointment, Sulyok emphasized his commitment to the law and his intention to refrain from active involvement in Hungary's political life.

Role of the President in Hungary

While the role of the president in Hungary is largely ceremonial, they possess the power to return bills to lawmakers or send them to the Constitutional Court for review.

Sulyok's Views on EU and Rule of Law

Sulyok addressed ongoing procedures against Hungary by the European Union, which has frozen billions in funding due to concerns about rule of law and democracy. He criticized the transformation of the rule of law concept from an ideal into an idol in contemporary Europe, viewing it as part of a utilitarian political approach.

Sulyok also expressed his belief in the retention of legal national sovereignty by member states of the European Union despite their membership in the bloc.

Formal Assumption of the Role

Tamás Sulyok is expected to formally assume the role of president on March 5, succeeding the previous president who resigned amidst a public outcry over a controversial pardon.

Opposition's Tribute to Alexei Navalny

Prior to the vote, opposition lawmaker Bence Tordai requested a moment of silence for the recent death of Russian opposition activist Alexei Navalny in a Siberian prison. While most opposition members stood up, members of Orban's Fidesz party, known for its close ties with Russia, remained seated.

Orban's Criticism of Navalny

In subsequent remarks, Prime Minister Viktor Orban criticized Alexei Navalny for comments made during Russia's 2008 invasion of Georgia, which were perceived as nationalistic. Orban thanked his party for maintaining composure in the Navalny case and expressed his belief that chauvinists do not deserve respect in the Hungarian parliament, while offering condolences for Navalny's passing.