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Judit Polgar declines Hungary presidency bid from Peter Magyar

Polgar cited a lack of strength to lead a divided nation, days after Hungary removed President Tamas Sulyok by constitutional amendment.

Reported · Written up by our desk · Europe

Hungarian chess legend Judit Polgar has rejected an invitation from Prime Minister Peter Magyar to serve as Hungary’s president, as Magyar seeks to move the country beyond Viktor Orban’s 16-year tenure. According to Polgar, she does not feel she has the capacity to take on the “historic responsibility” of uniting a divided nation, and she said she cannot accept the invitation.

Polgar said she will instead support efforts toward a new, independent, and respected president who can help achieve Magyar’s goals. Agence France-Presse reported that Magyar had backed Polgar late on Sunday as a figure intended to help deliver his promised “regime change” from Orban’s hardline era.

The move comes after Hungary removed President Tamas Sulyok last week through a constitutional amendment, according to the report. After Polgar’s decision, Magyar said he regrets her choice but respects it.

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