The Hungarian parliament elects former European Court of Human Rights judge András Baka as the country’s new president, marking a departure from the Orbán political era.
By DW Pulse | BUDAPEST — August 12, 2026 — Hungary’s National Assembly elected former Supreme Court chief and European Court of Human Rights judge András Baka as the nation’s new president. Nominated by the ruling center-right Tisza party, Baka secured 140 votes during the parliamentary secret ballot, officially stepping into the role ahead of his inauguration on August 19.
Key Highlights
- András Baka was elected as Hungary’s new president following a parliamentary vote with 140 supporting ballots.
- The nomination was put forward by the governing Tisza party, which holds the necessary two-thirds majority.
- Baka previously served as a judge at the European Court of Human Rights and as president of the Supreme Court before judicial reforms under former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Parliamentary Vote and Political Transition
The election follows a constitutional amendment and the end of the mandate for former head of state Tamás Sulyok. Baka, 73, stood as the sole candidate in the parliamentary session. His appointment represents a symbolic political shift and a break from the long-standing governance patterns associated with former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s political tenure.
Constitutional Safeguards and Foreign Policy Priorities
During his address to the National Assembly, Baka emphasized that his presidential mandate will focus on upholding constitutional checks and balances while representing both majority and minority perspectives. He also stressed the importance of addressing strained diplomatic ties. [Read Also: Hungary Redefines Foreign Policy Frameworks and Regional Alliances] Rebuilding partnerships with key international allies will remain a core priority throughout his term.