András Baka Elected as Hungary’s New Head of State

Hungary has ushered in a new era with the election of András Baka, a notable judge and the former head of the Supreme Court, as the nation’s head of state. While the role of Hungary’s president is largely ceremonial, Baka’s appointment hints at potential turbulence ahead. He is tasked with overseeing Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s initiatives aimed at dismantling the interwoven political and economic systems set up by former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Additionally, he will be instrumental in drafting a new constitution to replace Orbán’s version from 2011.

A Call for Unity and Hope

In his first address to Parliament, following an overwhelming vote of 140 in favor and just 6 against, Baka emphasized the importance of moving beyond past grievances. “We cannot build the new Hungary on revenge,” he stated. He acknowledged the mixed feelings among citizens, saying, “The majority of society now feels a sense of liberation and hope. Others feel disappointment and uncertainty,” recognizing this duality as part of the democratic landscape.

The Political Landscape Shifts

Notably, all 51 members of Orbán’s Fidesz party boycotted the voting process, walking out in protest against the removal of their preferred candidate, Tamás Sulyok, last month. In his speech, Baka made a commitment to foster extensive discussions on creating the new constitution, signaling a departure from previous practices.

Immediate Changes Under the New Government

Since assuming power in early May, the Magyar administration has rapidly initiated changes, repealing 27 laws and introducing two amendments to the constitution. Measures that enabled Orbán to govern through states of emergency—namely those concerning migrants, COVID-19, and the war in Ukraine—have been rescinded. The contentious Sovereignty Protection Office, previously used to target critical media and NGOs, has been dissolved, while a new National Asset Recovery and Protection Office has been established, tasked with investigating allegations of corruption from the former regime.

Criticism from Fidesz

Fidesz, the party ousted from power, has labeled the Tisza administration as tyrannical. Ironically, they were responsible for Baka’s removal from his position as the president of the Supreme Court in 2011 due to his attempts to uphold the rule of law.

Revamping of Media and Term Limits

Complimentary state media have been offline since July 9, while news programming undergoes significant changes aimed at restoring their impartiality, shedding their previous role as government mouthpieces. Furthermore, amendments to the constitution have capped the prime minister’s term at two and MPs’ terms at three. The power of the Constitutional Court to review parliamentary actions—curbed by Fidesz—has been reinstated.

Baka’s Vision as President

If the Tisza majority was expecting a compliant president, they may be in for a surprise. In a pre-appointment interview, Baka criticized the term limits placed on MPs, viewing them as an infringement on voters’ rights to choose their representatives freely. Having served for 17 years as Hungary’s representative at the European Court of Human Rights, Baka has expressed that political engagement is a product of his legal background rather than a personal ambition. “I am not a political man,” he remarked in a recent interview. “I got involved in politics through my professional, legal way of thinking.”

A Transitional Leadership

Baka’s election serves as a transitional phase. Under the constitutional amendment that facilitated his presidency, it is anticipated that he will hold the position until the new constitution is enacted—likely a maximum of five years.

Looking Ahead

In closing his address to Parliament, Baka reiterated his commitment to serving the populace, emphasizing the principle that “The state is not there for itself. It is there for the people.”

Conclusion

András Baka’s presidency represents a crucial turning point for Hungary as it seeks to redefine its governance and disengage from a contentious political legacy. His approach seems poised to introduce a more democratic framework, fostering dialogue and transformation in the political landscape.

• András Baka has been elected as Hungary’s new head of state.
• His role includes overseeing the dismantling of Viktor Orbán’s political system.
• A new constitution is set to be drafted, replacing the previous one from 2011.
• Baka advocates for a government that prioritizes the needs of its citizens over the interests of powerful leaders.