András Baka, Judge Ousted by Orbán, Elected Hungary's New President

Hungary has a new president, András Baka, 73, a distinguished judge who once led the country’s Supreme Court. Baka’s election by parliament, with a decisive 140 votes to 6, comes as the new government under Prime Minister Péter Magyar seeks to reverse years of policies enacted by former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

While the Hungarian presidency is primarily a ceremonial position, Baka’s tenure is expected to be consequential. His mandate includes overseeing the drafting of a new constitution, intended to replace the one established in 2011 under Orbán. He will also monitor the new government’s efforts to dismantle the intertwined economic and political structures built during Orbán’s extensive rule.

Baka, who served as Hungary’s judge at the European Court of Human Rights for 17 years, has signaled his intention to foster broad public debate on the constitutional changes. He stated, “We cannot build the new Hungary on revenge,” acknowledging the mixed emotions of liberation, hope, disappointment, and uncertainty across the nation. He emphasized that in a democracy, such varied feelings are natural.

The election was boycotted by Orbán’s Fidesz party, whose MPs walked out of parliament in protest against the removal of their preferred candidate, Tamás Sulyok, from the presidency. The new Magyar government has moved swiftly since taking office in May, passing numerous laws and constitutional amendments aimed at rolling back Orbán’s legacy. This includes canceling states of emergency used for decree-based governance, abolishing the Sovereignty Protection Office, and restoring the Constitutional Court’s oversight powers.

Despite the government’s reform agenda, Baka’s independent stance, particularly his past opposition to term limits, suggests he may not be a purely compliant figurehead. He has described himself as “not a political man” but rather one who approaches issues through a “professional, legal way of thinking.” Baka’s presidency is likely to be transitional, potentially lasting until a new constitution is enacted or for a maximum of five years. He concluded his address by asserting, “The state is not there for itself. It is there for the people.”

This report is based on information from Nile Post.