Hungarian President Katalin Novak resigned amidst escalating pressure to pardon a man involved in concealing sexual abuse at a children’s home, marking a significant political setback for Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s administration.
Novak, a key ally of Orban, stepped down following public outcry triggered by revelations of her pardon, initially reported by local media outlet 444. hu.
The scandal prompted widespread condemnation from opposition parties and calls for accountability, leading to the resignation of former Justice Minister Judit Varga, a prominent figure within Orban’s ruling Fidesz party. The controversy, rare for Orban’s long-standing tenure, arrives as Hungary grapples with economic challenges and prepares for European parliament elections.
Acknowledging her misjudgment, Novak addressed the nation on state television, announcing her resignation and expressing regret for her decision to grant the controversial pardon. Her abrupt departure from an official visit to Qatar underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency of the political fallout.
The backlash intensified throughout the week, with demonstrations outside Novak’s office and demands for her resignation gaining momentum. In response to the crisis, Orban proposed a constitutional amendment to curtail the president’s authority to pardon crimes involving children, seen as a move to contain the political fallout.
Former Justice Minister Varga, who co-signed the disputed pardon, also took responsibility for her actions, resigning from her parliamentary position and withdrawing from her prominent role within Fidesz. Despite the turmoil, Fidesz’s leadership expressed support for Novak and Varga, framing their decisions as responsible amidst mounting pressure.
The scandal casts a shadow over Fidesz’s prospects in the upcoming elections, with uncertainty looming over voter sentiment amid the controversy. Despite leading in opinion polls, Fidesz faces a challenging political landscape as a significant portion of the electorate remains undecided.
