Former judge removed by Orbán elected Hungarian president
Summary
Hungary's parliament has chosen Andr ás Baka, a former Supreme Court head and judge at the European Court of Human Rights, as the new president. His role is mostly symbolic, but he will oversee efforts by Prime Minister Péter Magyar to change laws and create a new constitution after years under former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.Key Facts
- Andr ás Baka, 73, was elected as Hungary's president with 140 votes in favor and 6 against.
- Baka was removed from his Supreme Court position in 2011 for trying to protect the rule of law against Orbán's government.
- The new government under Prime Minister Péter Magyar has passed 27 laws and 2 constitutional amendments since May.
- They ended states of emergency used by Orbán’s government and abolished the Sovereignty Protection Office that targeted journalists and NGOs.
- Public service radio and TV have stopped broadcasting to be redesigned for more independence from previous government control.
- Amendments now limit the prime minister to two terms and MPs to three terms, restoring constitutional court powers previously taken away.
- Baka opposes term limits for MPs, seeing them as limiting voters’ rights to choose representatives.
- His presidency is likely temporary, lasting until the new constitution is ready or up to five years.
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