Hungarian chess champion Judit Polgar declined the offer from Prime Minister Peter Magyar to become Hungary’s next president, citing she does not have the strength or capability to unite the divided nation [1, 2, 3]. Magyar nominated Polgar, a political outsider, as part of his promise to bring regime change after Viktor Orban’s 16-year rule [1, 3].
Polgar, who will turn 50 on July 23, 2026, is widely regarded as the greatest female chess player ever, the only woman to surpass a 2700 FIDE rating and ranked in the world top 10 before retiring in 2014 [3]. On July 19, 16 prominent Hungarian figures from science, culture, and sports jointly proposed her for the presidency, and Magyar formally nominated her the same day [1, 2, 3].
In a public statement on July 20, Polgar said, "I do not feel I have the strength to take on the historic responsibility of uniting a divided nation and so I am unable to accept the invitation" [1]. She pledged to support the goals of a new, independent, and respected president of the republic [1, 3].
Prime Minister Magyar expressed regret over her decision but said he respects it, emphasizing that Hungary’s president must defend national unity and constitutional order [1, 3]. The offer followed a constitutional amendment signed on July 18 by outgoing president Tamas Sulyok, who ended his term early by removing himself from office [1, 2].
Since Sulyok’s departure, Agnes Forsthoffer has temporarily exercised head of state powers. The Hungarian Parliament must elect a new president within 30 days of July 18. The new president’s term can last up to five years or until a new constitution takes effect [2, 3].
