New Hungarian President Baka Tussles With Orbán's Legacy

Sun Sep 06 2026 02:59:15 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Former judge András Baka wins Hungary’s presidency, poised to challenge Viktor Orbán’s consolidation of power amid sweeping constitutional reforms.

András Baka, a 73‑year‑old judge retired from the European Court of Human Rights, has been elected as Hungary’s president by a decisive parliamentary vote. The largely ceremonial role now places him in direct opposition to Prime Minister Péter Magyar, who is dismantling the Orbán‑era political machine. Baka pledges to champion a new constitution, restore judicial oversight, and curb the limits on parliamentary terms—moves that spark fierce backlash from the ruling Fidesz party. As Hungary navigates this pivotal transition, observers watch whether Baka can impose meaningful checks on the current regime or become another neutral figurehead.

Former Judge Baka Elected Hungarian President

The Hungarian parliament voted 140‑6 to appoint András Baka, a former Supreme Court chief and 17‑year‑old judge at the European Court of Human Rights, to the largely ceremonial post of president. The 73‑year‑old’s new role will place him in direct confrontation with Prime Minister Péter Magyar, who is actively working to dismantle the political and economic powerhouse built by Viktor Orbán.

Baka’s election follows a wave of legislative action that has cancelled Orbán’s emergency powers, abolished the Sovereignty Protection Office, and established a National Asset Recovery and Protection Office with sweeping investigative powers. The new government has also removed constitutional limits on the prime minister’s terms and restored the Constitutional Court’s oversight.

In his inaugural address to parliament, Baka warned that “the state is not for itself but for the people,” urging a broad debate over the drafting of a new constitution that would replace Orbán’s 2011 law. He also opposed restricting MPs’ terms, arguing it infringes on voters' rights to choose their representatives.

All 51 members of Orbán’s Fidesz party walked out of the chamber, protesting the last month’s removal of their favourite judge, Tamás Sulyok. Fidesz now accuses the new Tisza‑led government of creating a “tyranny,” but the robust reforms suggest the opposition may well face a difficult challenge.

Baka’s presidency is seen as a transitional phase, likely lasting until the new constitution takes effect or at most five years, rather than a definitive break from Orbán’s influence. As Hungary moves forward, the world watches whether Baka can impose meaningful checks on monarchy‑style leadership and restore democratic norms.