Hungary Elects Supreme Court Judge Ousted by Orban as New President

The Hungarian presidency is often dismissed as a purely ceremonial rubber stamp, a role designed to quietly sign the prime minister's legislation into law. But in the wake of Viktor Orbán's electoral defeat, the office has become the central battleground for control of the state's institutional architecture. The election of András Baka on Tuesday by a 140-6 parliamentary vote represents a stark reversal of political fortunes, elevating a man whose career was derailed by the previous administration to the apex of the Hungarian state.[1][2][3]

Baka, 73, is an internationally recognized legal scholar who served as a judge at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) for 17 years before becoming the president of Hungary's Supreme Court in 2009. His history with the previous government is the defining feature of his candidacy. In 2011, Orbán's administration abruptly terminated Baka's mandate as chief justice after he publicly criticized judicial reforms that forced early retirement on hundreds of judges.[1][2][5]

Baka challenged his dismissal at the ECHR and won a landmark ruling in 2014. The Strasbourg court found that his removal violated his right to freedom of expression and a fair trial, concluding that the dismissal was a retaliatory measure for his criticism of the government. The case became a foundational reference point in international criticism of the Orbán government's record on judicial independence and the rule of law.[2][6]

Now, Baka returns to power nominated by the ruling Tisza party, led by Prime Minister Péter Magyar. Magyar, a pro-European conservative who ousted Orbán in an April 2026 landslide, has framed Baka's appointment as a necessary restoration of democratic norms. During the nomination process, Tisza lawmakers argued that Baka's experience and professional independence would serve as a significant asset as the party attempts to lay the foundations for a new constitutional order.[1][3][4]

The path to Baka's election, however, was cleared by controversial means. Last month, the Tisza party utilized its two-thirds constitutional majority to pass an amendment truncating the term of the sitting president, Tamás Sulyok, an Orbán appointee. The amendment effectively forced Sulyok out of office weeks before Baka's nomination, creating the vacancy that the Tisza party has now filled.[1][2][3]

Magyar argued that Sulyok was an "Orbán puppet" who would use his limited powers—such as referring laws to the Constitutional Court—to obstruct the new government's agenda. Specifically, the Tisza government feared that a hostile president could delay the passage of anti-corruption legislation required to unfreeze billions in European Union funds that had been withheld during the Orbán era.[1][3][5]

The aggressive legislative maneuver to oust Sulyok drew sharp criticism from rights watchdogs and political opponents, who noted the irony of the new government utilizing the same constitutional hardball tactics that Orbán perfected during his 16-year tenure. Orbán's Fidesz party boycotted Tuesday's secret ballot entirely, condemning Sulyok's removal as "tyrannical" and accusing the Tisza party of authoritarian overreach to reshape the country's political system.[1][3][6]

In his acceptance speech, Baka sought to bridge the deep societal divisions that characterize post-Orbán Hungary. He stated that a "new Hungary" cannot be built on revenge, pledging to safeguard constitutional checks and balances and to acknowledge political differences rather than imposing artificial unity. He also emphasized that rebuilding deteriorated relationships with international allies would be a primary focus of his presidency.[2][5]

Baka will officially assume office on August 19. His tenure is expected to last for a maximum of five years, or until a new constitution—a stated goal of the Magyar government—is drafted and ratified by referendum. While the presidency carries limited executive authority, Baka's installation ensures that the new government will not face institutional resistance from the head of state as it proceeds with its sweeping reform agenda.[1][2][4]