Tamas Sulyok becomes Hungary's new President

In Hungary, Constitutional Court President Tamas Sulyok, supported by the ruling Fidesz party led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, was elected president in a parliamentary vote. In the election, which saw the participation of 146 members of parliament, Sulyok achieved a major victory by receiving 134 votes. According to the voting results, 5 members voted against, while 7 votes were declared invalid. In the 199-seat Hungarian Parliament, a large portion of the opposition expressed their reaction by not participating in the vote.

INTENSE CRITICISM FROM THE OPPOSITION

A protest demonstration supported by four opposition parties, which demanded that the presidential election be held directly by the public, was organized in the country on Sunday. This demonstration was considered an indicator of the tension in Hungary's political atmosphere.

SULYOK PROMISES TRANSPARENCY

Newly elected President Tamas Sulyok promised transparency regarding presidential pardons and awards in his speech at the inauguration ceremony. The 67-year-old Sulyok will serve a five-year term and will have the right to run for a second term at the end of this period. The inauguration ceremony will be held on March 5.

FROM CONSTITUTIONAL COURT TO THE PRESIDENCY

Tamas Sulyok was appointed as a judge to the Constitutional Court in 2014 and rose to the presidency of the court two years later. Known for the experience he gained throughout his professional and academic career, Sulyok will be an important figure in dealing with the challenges the country faces in his new role.

RESIGNATION OF PREVIOUS PRESIDENT NOVAK

Sulyok's predecessor, former President Novak, resigned from her post on February 10 after it was revealed that one of the prisoners she pardoned was involved in a child abuse scandal at a state-run orphanage. This incident created a serious debate in Hungary and damaged the reputation of the presidential office.