Legendary chess player Polgar rejects Hungarian presidency

Legendary chess player Judit Polgar, who was nominated for the presidency yesterday by Prime Minister Peter Magyar to succeed Tamas Sulyok—whose term ended following a constitutional amendment passed by the Hungarian Parliament—has rejected the offer presented to her.

Polgar, a Hungarian chess champion of Jewish descent who is considered the greatest female chess player of all time, stated that she did not feel strong enough to take on the "historic responsibility" that the presidency would entail.

In a statement on her social media account today, Polgar described her nomination for the presidency as the "greatest honor of her life" and thanked Prime Minister Magyar for inviting an "independent and non-partisan candidate" to the role.

"I am not strong enough"

Polgar stated, "However, I do not feel strong enough to take on the historic responsibility of uniting a polarized nation. Therefore, I cannot accept this offer," adding that she would also support a "new and independent" candidate.

President Sulyok's term ended yesterday

In Hungary, the parliament, where the Tisza Party led by Prime Minister Peter Magyar holds a majority capable of amending the constitution, had passed a constitutional amendment that included a provision ending the term of President Tamas Sulyok, a figure close to former Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Following the entry into force of the constitutional amendment yesterday, Magyar had nominated world-renowned chess champion Judit Polgar for the Hungarian presidency, following the recommendation of 16 prominent figures from the country's scientific, cultural, and sports circles.

Judit Polgar, along with her sisters Zsuzsa and Zsofia and Ildiko Madl, led the Hungarian women's team to victory at the 1988 Chess Olympiad, ending the dominance of the Soviet Union. As one of the best players in the world, Polgar became the most talented female player in chess history and the only woman to cross the 2700 rating threshold, which many consider to be the "Super Grandmaster" level.