Popular meme hero becomes top contender for Hungary's presidency

Retired Hungarian electrical engineer András Arató, best known as the face of the "Hide the Pain Harold" internet meme, has emerged as the most popular candidate for Hungary's presidency, according to The Guardian.

The newspaper reported that Arató received the highest level of support in an online poll. Other popular contenders included Nobel Prize-winning chemist Katalin Karikó, Rubik's Cube inventor Ernő Rubik and model Barbara Palvin.

On July 4, 2026, the government of Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar submitted the 17th constitutional amendment to parliament, providing for the removal of the president in order to restore confidence in the institution of the head of state.

The amendment was approved on July 13 by lawmakers, where Magyar's party holds a majority.

On July 20, Tamás Sulyok, who had served as Hungary's president since March 2024, transferred his powers to parliamentary speaker Ágnes Forsthoffer, who will serve as acting head of state until a new president is elected.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov