Chess legend Judit Polgar on Monday turned down Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar’s offer to become the country’s next president.
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“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,” Polgar posted on social media.
“I will do everything in my power to support a new, independent, and respected President of the Republic in achieving these goals,” she added.
Polgar issued her response after the Tisza parliamentary group publicly backed her in parliament. However, critics noted that, contrary to earlier promises, her nomination was not preceded by broad public consultation.
Magyar responded to Polgar’s decision in a comment.
“Dear Judit, thank you for everything you have done for Hungary. I believe I can say, on behalf of millions of Hungarians, that even if in a different capacity, we will continue to count on you in the future,” he wrote.
After ejecting unpopular President Tamas Sulyok by constitutional amendment last week, Magyar backed Polgar late on Sunday as “a president of whom all Hungarians can be proud”.
As a result of the constitutional amendment, current President Tamás Sulyok’s mandate ended on Monday.
Leaders of the governing Tisza party have repeatedly said they want the president to be elected directly by the public rather than by parliament. As a result, the president elected now could serve only temporarily, until a new constitution is adopted.