Hungary's prime minister proposes chess champion Judit Polgar as next president

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Hungarys PM proposes chess grandmaster Polgár as president after Sulyoks dismissal
ContinuationHungary's prime minister proposes chess champion Judit Polgar as next president
Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced on Sunday that he will propose Judit Polgar, widely regarded as the greatest female chess player of all time, to become Hungary's next president. The proposal comes a day after President Tamas Sulyok signed a constitutional amendment ending his own mandate.
Magyar made the announcement on his Facebook page, stating that he would meet with Polgar on Monday to discuss the proposal. He expressed that it would be a great honor if Polgar accepts the position. Polgar, 49, is a five-time Olympic chess champion and has been a prominent figure in the chess world for decades.
The constitutional amendment, which was signed by Sulyok on Saturday, marks a significant political shift in Hungary. Sulyok, a political ally of former Prime Minister Viktor Orban, was appointed president in 2024. The amendment, which includes the provision for Sulyok's own removal, has been criticized by some as an abuse of political power.
Polgar's nomination has received support from various public figures in Hungary. In a letter to the speaker of the Hungarian Parliament, Agnes Forsthoffer, 16 prominent figures from science, culture, and sports recommended Polgar for the position. Magyar agreed that Polgar's talent, dedication, and integrity make her an ideal candidate for the presidency.
Polgar's career in chess is marked by numerous achievements. She has been the top-ranked female chess player in the world for 26 consecutive years and has been ranked among the top ten players in the world. She has also been involved in promoting chess and education through her foundation.
The Hungarian Parliament has 30 days to elect a new president. Until a new president is elected, the speaker of the Parliament will assume the presidential duties on an interim basis.
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