Hungary’s ruling party nominates Supreme Court head for president

The parliamentary faction of the Tisza Party has nominated former Supreme Court president András Baka as its candidate for the presidency, marking a significant step in Hungary’s evolving political landscape.

In a statement, the ruling party’s lawmakers said: “We are convinced that the experience and professionalism of András Baka, which he has demonstrated throughout his life, are especially important at a time when we plan together to lay the foundations of a new constitutional order in Hungary. The faction agreed that the personality of András Baka is the strongest guarantee that the institution of the presidency will regain real dignity, the ability to unite the nation and provide a counterbalance to the prevailing majority.”

The faction said the nomination was approved through a secret ballot and emphasised that Baka is not a party member, presenting himself instead as an independent figure in Hungarian politics. It described the decision as its most significant since taking power in the spring.

The move follows political upheaval that led to the departure of President Tamás Sulyok, who had been appointed during the tenure of former prime minister Viktor Orbán. Sulyok signed the 17th amendment to Hungary’s Basic Law on July 18, formalising his removal after pressure from the Tisza Party and Prime Minister Péter Magyar.

Under Hungary’s constitutional framework, the president is elected by parliament through a majority vote, with candidates formally nominated by parliamentary factions.

By Tamilla Hasanova