Hungarian Parliament elects former ECHR judge Andras Bak as new president

Voting results and inauguration

On August 11, 2026, the National Assembly of Hungary completed the procedure for electing a new head of state. The candidacy of 73-year-old lawyer and former President of the Supreme Court, Andras Bak, was supported by 140 out of 199 deputies present. 133 votes were required for victory. The inauguration of the new president is scheduled for August 19, 2026. Until then, the duties of the head of state are being performed by the Speaker of the Parliament, Agnes Forsthoffer.

Political context and nomination

The candidacy of Andras Bak was put forward by the ruling party 'Tisza' led by Prime Minister Peter Magyar. The election took place against the backdrop of the premature termination of the powers of the previous president, Tamas Suiok, in July 2026, which became possible thanks to the adoption of constitutional amendments. The ruling faction states that the appointment of an independent lawyer will strengthen the role of the presidency as a constitutional counterweight to the executive branch.

Biography and judicial background

Andras Bak has significant international experience: from 1991 to 2008, he served as a judge at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). At the national level, he headed the Supreme Court of Hungary from 2009, but in 2011 his powers were terminated prematurely during the judicial system reform. Later, the ECHR ruled that Bak's rights were violated when he was removed from office.

Contradictory data

The election procedure provoked a sharp reaction in the Hungarian political arena. The opposition party 'Fidesz' boycotted the vote, stating that the preceding legislative changes contradict institutional practice and democratic norms. At the same time, the ruling coalition insists on the legality of the procedure and the need to update top officials in accordance with the current Fundamental Law.

Powers of the head of state

According to the constitutional model of Hungary, the country is a parliamentary republic where the president has predominantly ceremonial and representative functions. Executive power is concentrated in the government. Nevertheless, the president is elected for a term of five years and possesses the right of legal veto, as well as the right to submit bills to the Constitutional Court to check their compliance with the Fundamental Law.