András Baka has officially taken office as President of Hungary
On Wednesday, August 19, András Baka officially took office as President of Hungary.
The Hungarian National Assembly elected Baka as the new president on August 11.
A total of 140 deputies voted in favor of his candidacy, while six voted against it.
After Baka took office, Péter Magyar wished him success in his work and good health.
“I wish the president success in his work, good health, and as much humanity as possible,” said the Hungarian prime minister.
András Baka is a 73-year-old lawyer and former president of the Hungarian Supreme Court. From 1991 to 2008, he served on the European Court of Human Rights.
In 2009, Baka became president of the Hungarian Supreme Court. However, just two years later, his term was terminated early following a constitutional reform.
Baka himself believed that his dismissal was linked to his criticism of the judicial reforms implemented by Viktor Orbán’s government.
After being elected president, Baka spoke out about the need to restore the rule of law, judicial independence, an effective justice system, and freedom of speech.
Thus, Baka became the new head of state following the premature termination of his predecessor Tamás Szujók’s term.
This was announced by the country’s Prime Minister, Péter Magyar.
As a reminder, on August 17, the Hungarian Constitutional Court will consider the constitutional amendments that led to the early termination of President Tamás Szűjök’s term.
