Hungary's Parliament Elects Orban Critic Andras Baka as President
On Tuesday, Hungarian legislators confirmed Andras Baka, a 73-year-old former chief of the supreme court and a critic of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, as the new president. Baka received 140 votes in favor and only six against during the parliamentary session. This role became available following the ousting of Tamas Sulyok, an ally of Orban, through a constitutional change advocated by pro-EU conservative Prime Minister Peter Magyar. Nominated by the ruling Tisza party on Saturday, Baka, who has 17 years of experience as a judge at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), was commended by Magyar for exemplifying dedication to democratic principles and the rule of law, highlighting the necessity for Hungary to restore its commitment to these values.
Key facts
- Hungarian parliament approved Andras Baka as president on Tuesday.
- Baka is a former supreme court chief and critic of Viktor Orban.
- He was fired during Orban's time in power.
- The vote was 140 in favor, 6 against.
- Baka served 17 years as a judge on the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).
- He was nominated by the ruling Tisza party on Saturday.
- The previous president, Tamas Sulyok, was removed via a constitutional amendment.
- Prime Minister Peter Magyar supports Baka's appointment as part of reform efforts.
Entities
Institutions
- Hungarian parliament
- European Court of Human Rights (ECHR)
- Tisza party
Locations
- Hungary