Hungary’s newly appointed Prime Minister Péter Medgyessy has announced plans to meet with world chess champion Judit Polgar and offer her the position of President, less than 24 hours after the incumbent was removed from office following constitutional amendments. The move comes after Viktor Orbán’s preferred candidate was forced to resign, leaving the presidency vacant in the Central European nation.

Polgar, widely regarded as the greatest female chess player in history, would represent a dramatic shift in Hungary’s leadership if she accepts the position. Medgyessy framed the offer as an attempt to unite the country following months of political turbulence. “Hungary needs unity and a president that everyone can be proud of,” he said, describing the appointment as “an enormous honour.”

The sudden turn of events has shocked Hungarian politics, as Orbán’s government faced unexpected opposition to its constitutional changes. The ousting of the sitting president and the swift proposal of an unconventional successor suggest significant instability within the ruling coalition.

Polgar, a Hungarian national, gained international prominence during the Cold War era when she became a world chess champion at the age of 22, breaking records previously held by male players. Her appointment would be unprecedented, marking the first time a global sports figure has been proposed for Hungary’s highest ceremonial office.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.