In a stunning turn of events, Hungary’s conservative president, Katalin Novák, has resigned amidst a public outcry over a controversial pardon she granted. This decision, involving a man convicted in a child sexual abuse case, has sparked an unprecedented political scandal in the long-standing nationalist government.
Novák, who served as the country’s first female president since 2022, announced a televised message, acknowledging her mistake in issuing the contentious pardon. The move came after widespread criticism following revelations of her decision to pardon a man involved in concealing child sexual abuses in a state-run children’s home.
The resignation of Novák, a prominent ally of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and a former vice president of the ruling Fidesz party, marks a rare instance of political upheaval within Hungary’s nationalist government. Under Orbán’s leadership, Fidesz has faced accusations of undermining democratic institutions and manipulating electoral processes and media in its favor.
Today I resigned from my office as President of Hungary. Thank you for everything to all my friends in all four corners of the world. Hungary🇭🇺 is a wonderful country with marvelous people, a good partner, an even better friend and a reliable ally. I am glad that in the past… pic.twitter.com/j4SdiezAkK
— Katalin Novák (@KatalinNovak_HU) February 10, 2024
Novák’s tenure, marked by advocacy for traditional family values and child protection, came to an end due to her controversial pardon of a man convicted of pressuring victims to retract allegations of sexual abuse. Despite her assertion that the decision was made in good faith, it raised significant doubts about the government’s stance on pedophilia and child welfare.
The scandal also implicates Judit Varga, another influential Fidesz figure, who endorsed the pardon while serving as Hungary’s minister of justice. In response to mounting pressure, Varga announced her resignation from public life, relinquishing her parliamentary seat and leadership role in the European Parliament list.
The resignation of Novák and Varga underscores the gravity of the situation and the repercussions of their actions. As Hungary grapples with the fallout from this scandal, it raises questions about the integrity of its political leadership and the protection of vulnerable individuals within society.
