Hungary's PM Magyar to ask chess champion Judit Polgar to become president

Hungary’s Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced Sunday that he plans to ask world-renowned chess champion Judit Polgar to assume the largely ceremonial role of the country’s next president. The announcement follows a constitutional amendment signed by outgoing President Tamas Sulyok, which marks the end of his tenure and paves the way for a new presidential election. Magyar, who leads Hungary’s governing Tisza party, aims to replace the previous administration’s structures and consolidate power following a decisive electoral victory earlier this year. Magyar made the statement via a public Facebook post, stating that he would meet with Polgar on Monday to formally propose her candidacy. He emphasized that Polgar, 49, could represent national unity and bring stability to the political landscape. The move comes amid efforts by Magyar’s government to reshape Hungary’s governance framework, including the drafting of a new constitution that is expected to redefine the roles of key institutions. The constitutional amendment signed by Sulyok was enacted after being passed by Parliament, where Magyar’s party holds a two-thirds majority. This supermajority grants the government sweeping legislative powers, allowing it to enact changes to existing laws without opposition. The new president, once elected, will serve until the new constitution becomes effective or for a maximum period of five years. The transition reflects a broader shift in Hungary’s political direction, as Magyar seeks to distance himself from the legacy of former Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whom he ousted in a landslide victory during the April elections. Judit Polgar, one of the most celebrated figures in the history of chess, has long been recognized for her groundbreaking achievements in a male-dominated field. As a teenager, she became the youngest person to achieve the title of grandmaster, and later, she became the first and only woman to cross the 2700 Elo rating threshold, a benchmark often associated with elite status in the sport. Her career spanned several decades, during which she competed against some of the best players in the world and helped elevate women’s chess globally. Polgar’s accomplishments extend beyond individual success. Alongside her two sisters, Zsuzsa (Susan) and Zsofia (Sofia), and Ildiko Madl, she contributed to Hungary’s historic victory in the 1988 Chess Olympiad, where the female team ended Soviet dominance. Her influence continues to resonate through media and culture, exemplified by the recent release of a documentary titled Queen of Chess, which premiered on Netflix in February. Magyar expressed admiration for Polgar’s legacy, describing her as a symbol of perseverance and excellence. In his Facebook message, he stated, “I will meet her tomorrow, and will ask whether she is ready to serve our country in a new role until the new constitution is passed.” However, Polgar has yet to publicly confirm whether she will accept the nomination. A Reuters inquiry for comment went unanswered at the time of reporting. The proposed appointment signals a strategic effort by Magyar’s administration to align itself with national icons and reinforce its narrative of renewal and reform. By selecting a figure of international renown, the government hopes to project an image of unity and progress while navigating the complex process of constitutional revision. With the upcoming presidential election looming, the response from Polgar, and the broader public, could shape the trajectory of Hungary’s political future.