A New Chapter for Hungary
Published on August 12, 2026.
The Hungarian parliament made a historic decision on August 11, 2026, electing former judge András Baka (72 years old) as the country's new president. With a vote of 140 in favor and 6 against, Baka takes office at a time of profound political transformation, signaling a clear departure from the era of Viktor Orbán.
The new president replaces Tamás Sulyok, an Orbán loyalist who resigned last month after signing a constitutional amendment pushed by the ruling Tisza party, led by Prime Minister Péter Magyar. It is worth noting that the main opposition party, Fidesz (led by Orbán), decided to boycott the vote, reflecting the polarization that Baka will seek to heal.
Who is András Baka?
Baka is not a traditional politician but an eminent jurist. He served as the President of the Supreme Court of Hungary until he was removed from his position in 2011 by then-Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, three years before his term ended. Subsequently, Baka won an unfair dismissal case at the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), an institution that ensures human rights are respected in Europe.
According to international media, Baka was Prime Minister Magyar's second choice for the position, after chess legend Judit Polgár declined the offer, feeling she did not have the strength to unite a divided nation.
'We cannot build the new Hungary with vengeance'
In a deeply intellectual and conciliatory acceptance speech, Baka sent a message of hope to the nation. He warned that the previous administration sowed division by pitting Budapest against the rest of the country, the young against the old, and majorities against minorities.
'Political change cannot mean that from now on, different people must fear others, stay silent, or feel like strangers in their own country.'
The new president emphasized the need to rebuild a functional democratic constitutional culture and reaffirmed that Hungary's place is in Europe, not by a momentary decision, but by shared history, culture, and interests.
Other Highlights in Europe
- Ukrainian Refugees: Eurostat data revealed that 4.41 million non-EU citizens who fled Ukraine had temporary protection status by the end of June 2026, a 0.6% year-on-year increase. Germany, Poland, and Czechia host the largest groups.
- Imminent Solar Eclipse: Europe is preparing for the continent's first total solar eclipse of the century. 460,000 tourists are expected to visit Spain to witness it on August 12, 2026, causing hotel prices to surge and raising alerts for forest fire risks.
- Curiosity in France: A nuclear plant in northern France shut down three reactors after a swarm of jellyfish clogged the cooling pumps, a reminder of how nature impacts even the most advanced infrastructure.
Source: The Guardian