Hungarian President Katalin Novak Resigns Amid Outrage Over Child Sexual Abuse Pardon
In a shocking turn of events, Hungarian President Katalin Novak has announced her resignation following public outrage over a pardon granted to a man involved in a child sexual abuse case. Novak, who is a close ally of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, made the announcement on Saturday, acknowledging her mistake and apologizing to those affected.
The controversy began when a former deputy director of a children’s home was pardoned for his involvement in covering up his boss’s sexual abuse of the children under their care. The decision was made last April during a visit by Pope Francis to Budapest. The news of the pardon was revealed by independent news site 444, leading to widespread calls for Novak’s resignation from opposition politicians and protests outside the presidential palace.
Novak, who became the first woman to hold the ceremonial role of president in March 2022, was attending Hungary’s match against Kazakhstan at the World Water Polo Championships in Qatar when the pressure mounted. She swiftly returned to Budapest and upon landing, announced her resignation. “The pardon granted and the lack of explanation may have given rise to doubts about zero tolerance of paedophilia,” she said. “But there can be no doubt on this subject,” she added, expressing her apologies.
Shortly after Novak’s resignation, another Orban supporter, former justice minister Judit Varga, also announced her withdrawal from public life. Varga had approved the pardon as justice minister and stated on Facebook that she renounces her mandate as an MP and the head of the list for the European Parliament. The swift resignations of Novak and Varga raised eyebrows, with Hungarian MEP Anna Donath suggesting that no important decision can be made in Hungary without Viktor Orban’s approval. Donath called on Orban to take responsibility and explain what happened, stating that it is his system.
In an attempt to calm the national anger, Orban announced his intention to revise Hungary’s constitution to prevent the possibility of pardoning paedophile criminals. However, the damage has already been done, and Novak’s resignation leaves Hungary’s political landscape even more male-dominated. Since mid-2023, there have been no women in Orban’s 16-man cabinet.
Novak’s departure marks a significant blow to Orban’s government and raises questions about the handling of child sexual abuse cases in Hungary. The incident has sparked a national conversation about the need for stricter measures to protect children and families. As the country grapples with this scandal, it remains to be seen how Orban’s government will address the issue and regain public trust.
