'Chess Queen' Who Defeated World No. 1... Will She Become President of Hungary?

Hungarian Prime Minister Offers Presidency to Judit Polgar

Youngest Grandmaster at 15, No Political Experience

Judit Polgar, known as the "Chess Queen" for becoming a grandmaster at 15 and defeating several male world champions, has emerged as a candidate for president of Hungary.

Judith Polgar, the "Chess Queen" who has been mentioned as a potential next president of Hungary. Judith Polgar Facebook

On July 19 (local time), Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced on his social media that he plans to meet with Polgar and ask her whether she is willing to take on the presidency. The intent is to have her serve as president until a new constitution is adopted, provided that she accepts the offer.

Prime Minister Magyar stated, "The name Polgar has been a symbol of talent and perseverance for decades," adding, "Hungary needs a president who represents unity, peace, and whom all Hungarians can be proud of." He further emphasized, "It would be a great honor if Polgar were to accept the offer."

Polgar is regarded as Hungary's most prominent star and the greatest female chess player of all time. In 1991, at the age of 15 years and 4 months, she became a grandmaster, breaking the youngest-ever record previously held by Bobby Fischer. She is the only female player to have surpassed an Elo rating of 2700, and she peaked at number 8 in the overall world rankings. She also holds victories over several former and current world champions, including Garry Kasparov.

The president of Hungary is elected not by direct popular vote but by a parliamentary ballot. The Tisza Party, led by Prime Minister Magyar, holds two-thirds of the seats in parliament, making it highly likely that Polgar would be elected if she accepts the nomination. The new president's term will last until the new constitution comes into effect, for a maximum of five years.

This proposal emerged after President Tamas Sulyok signed a constitutional amendment to end his own term. President Sulyok's term ended at midnight on July 20 (local time), and the Speaker of the National Assembly will serve as acting president until a new one is elected. The Hungarian parliament must elect a successor within 30 days.

President Sulyok was chosen during the tenure of former Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Prime Minister Magyar, who ended Orban's 16-year long rule in the April general election, has repeatedly demanded Sulyok's resignation, arguing that Sulyok failed to check the undemocratic measures of the previous administration. When Sulyok refused, the Tisza Party passed a constitutional amendment to terminate the president's term early.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.