Hungary President Resigns Over Controversial Pardon in Sex Abuse Case
In a shocking turn of events, Hungarian President Katalin Novak has announced her resignation amidst a growing scandal surrounding a controversial pardon granted to a man involved in a child sexual abuse case. Novak, who was a close ally of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, made the announcement following mounting pressure from opposition politicians and protests outside the presidential palace.
The controversy began when it was revealed that a former deputy director of a children’s home had been pardoned for his role in covering up his boss’s sexual abuse of the children under their care. The decision to grant the pardon was made last April during a visit by Pope Francis to Budapest. The news of the pardon was brought to light by independent news site 444, leading to widespread outrage and calls for Novak’s resignation.
“I am resigning my post,” said Novak, acknowledging her mistake. “I apologize to those who I hurt and all the victims who may have had the impression that I did not support them,” she added. Novak, who became the first woman to hold the ceremonial role of president in March 2022, emphasized her commitment to protecting children and families.
The resignation of Novak was swiftly followed by another Orban supporter, former justice minister Judit Varga, announcing her withdrawal from public life over the affair. Varga, who had approved the controversial pardon during her tenure as justice minister, renounced her mandate as an MP and as the head of the list for the European Parliament.
The resignations of Novak and Varga have sent shockwaves through Hungary’s political landscape. Hungarian MEP Anna Donath commented on the situation, stating, “But we know that no important decision can be taken in Hungary without Viktor Orban’s approval… it’s his system.” Donath’s remarks highlight the central role played by Prime Minister Orban in Hungarian politics and the need for him to take responsibility and provide an explanation for the scandal.
In an attempt to address the public’s anger, Orban announced his intention to revise Hungary’s constitution to prevent the possibility of pardoning individuals involved in paedophilia crimes. However, the damage has already been done, and the controversy surrounding the pardon has further fueled criticism of Orban’s leadership.
Novak’s resignation leaves Hungary’s political landscape even more male-dominated, as there have been no women in Orban’s 16-man cabinet since mid-2023. This gender imbalance raises concerns about the representation of women in Hungarian politics and the need for greater diversity in decision-making positions.
As Novak steps down from her role as president, she has been temporarily replaced by the Speaker of Parliament Laszlo Kover. Novak, who was named the most influential woman in Hungarian public life by Forbes magazine last year, leaves behind a legacy overshadowed by this scandal.
The resignation of Novak and the withdrawal of Varga from public life mark a significant moment in Hungarian politics. The fallout from the controversial pardon has exposed deep divisions and raised questions about accountability and transparency within the government. As Hungary grapples with the aftermath of this scandal, it remains to be seen how Prime Minister Orban will address the concerns of the public and restore trust in his leadership.