In a candid statement, chess icon Judit Polgar has declined Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s offer to serve as the interim President of Hungary, stating that she does not feel prepared to carry the immense political burden of uniting a deeply divided nation.
Polgar’s decision comes shortly after Magyar publicly announced his intention to nominate the legendary Grandmaster as a unifying, non-partisan figure following President Tamás Sulyok’s resignation.
I consider it an honor of my life to be invited by the initiators to the position of President of the Republic, and I am extremely grateful for it.
I appreciate the Prime Minister’s gesture, as despite the party’s significant parliamentary weight, he has nominated an independent candidate for the President of the Republic, above parties.
However, I do not feel strong enough to take on the historical responsibility of uniting a divided nation, so I cannot fully respond to the invitation.
I will support a new, independent and recognized President of the Republic in every possible way to achieve these goals.
Judit Polgar
Prime Minister Péter Magyar issued a statement:
Today, I held a consultation with Judit Polgár, Hungary’s living legend. Judit explained that, given the circumstances that have arisen, she will not accept the nomination.
I am sorry, but I respectfully accept her decision.Thank you for taking the request seriously! Thank you for your openness, your straightforward speech, and the dignity with which you handled this situation.
I am sorry if communication errors stemming from my joy and the enthusiasm born of my unconditional trust may have contributed to the situation that has developed and to her decision. The responsibility for those errors rests solely with me.
Thank you, Judit Polgár, for considering the request! Thank you for what she has done for the Hungarian nation!
Polgar’s decision closes a brief but historic chapter in Hungarian civic discourse, leaving the search open for an independent figure capable of leading the country through its upcoming constitutional transition.
