Hungary’s Ruling Party Backs Chess Legend Judit Polgar for Presidential Nomination
Hungary’s Ruling Party Backs Chess Legend Judit Polgar for Presidential Nomination
July 20, 2026 – Budapest
In a historic move, Hungary’s ruling Tisza party has unanimously endorsed chess icon Judit Polgar for the presidency, with a final decision on her nomination expected at their next parliamentary meeting. This announcement, made by parliamentary group leader Andrea Bujdoso on Monday, marks a significant shift in Hungary’s political landscape.
Prime Minister Peter Magyar, who recently ended the 16-year reign of Viktor Orban’s Fidesz party, revealed on Sunday that he would formally invite Polgar, widely celebrated as the greatest female chess player of all time, to assume the largely ceremonial role of President until a new constitution is enacted.
The push for a new president follows the signing of a constitutional amendment by Tamas Sulyok, which concluded his term as president. This transition is part of Magyar’s broader initiative to dismantle Orban’s entrenched power structures, a mandate he claims was reinforced by a decisive electoral victory in April.
With a commanding two-thirds majority in parliament, the Tisza party is poised to elect a new president who will serve until the new constitution is ratified, or for a maximum of five years. Bujdoso praised Polgar, stating that she embodies qualities of patriotism, honor, empathy, bravery, and dedication, making her an ideal candidate to represent national unity.
“The President of the republic must be a person who guards the unity of the nation and constitutionality,” Magyar emphasized during a parliamentary session.
Polgar, 49, has made history in the chess world, being the only female player to have ranked in the top 10 globally and the first woman to surpass a 2700 rating, a benchmark for “Super Grandmaster” status. Her remarkable achievements were recently highlighted in the documentary “Queen of Chess,” released earlier this year.
As Hungary stands on the brink of a new political era, the potential election of Judit Polgar as president could symbolize a progressive shift in a country eager for change. While Polgar could not be reached for comment, her supporters are hopeful that her leadership will inspire unity and a renewed sense of national pride.
Stay tuned for updates as the Tisza party prepares for its next meeting, where the future of Hungary’s presidency may take a groundbreaking turn.