Hungary's Parliament elected András Baka, a former Supreme Court chief justice, as the nation's president on Tuesday. The vote, conducted by secret ballot, saw Baka receive 140 votes in favor and six against, with no abstentions. Lawmakers from the governing Tisza party supported Baka, while the far-right Fidesz party, previously led by former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, boycotted the proceedings.
Baka is slated to be sworn into office on August 19. While the Hungarian presidency holds largely ceremonial duties, the president can return bills to lawmakers or send them to the Constitutional Court for review.
The government led by Prime Minister Peter Magyar has stated that removing officials appointed during Orbán's time in office is essential for restoring democratic norms and institutional integrity, which they argue were diminished during Orbán's leadership.
In his first remarks following the election, Baka addressed the legacy of Orbán's 16-year rule, identifying deep social and political polarization as a significant challenge for Hungary. He emphasized that while past legal and financial misconduct should be investigated and prosecuted, and democratic institutions reinstated, the transition should not be characterized by revenge. "This country cannot build a common future while its citizens see each other as enemies," Baka stated, adding that political change should not lead to fear or a sense of being an outsider.
Since assuming office in May, Magyar's administration has moved to replace numerous political appointees and institutional heads perceived as having supported Orbán's government. Actions taken by the new government include suspending the news service of Hungary's public television and radio, which Magyar described as a "propaganda factory" for Orbán's party. Additionally, the Sovereignty Protection Office, viewed by critics as a tool for suppressing dissent and independent media, has been closed.
The government has also implemented judicial reforms, established an office to investigate financial improprieties from the Orbán era, and introduced term limits for lawmakers and prime ministers.
Baka's election follows a period of contention over the previous president, Tamás Sulyok, who was nominated by Orbán's party in early 2024. Magyar had called for Sulyok's resignation after the Tisza party's significant victory in the April elections. When Sulyok declined to step down, Tisza passed a constitutional amendment to end his term, which Sulyok subsequently signed in July.
Baka, 74, previously served on the European Court of Human Rights from 1991 to 2008. He led the Supreme Court from 2009 to 2011 but was removed by Orbán's government prior to the end of his designated term. The European Court of Human Rights ruled in 2014 that his dismissal violated his rights and was connected to his criticisms of the government's judicial reforms. Baka has also held visiting professorships at several U.S. universities, including the University of Virginia, the University of California at Berkeley, and Columbia University.