Amidst intense criticism over a contentious pardon given to a convicted child abuser, Hungarian President Katalin Novak has announced her resignation.
In her resignation statement, Novak, a key ally of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, acknowledged her mistake and extended apologies to those affected. “I apologize to all those harmed and the victims who may have felt unsupported. My commitment to protecting children and families remains unwavering,” Novak emphasized.
The uproar erupted following the revelation of a pardon granted last April to a former deputy director of a children’s home implicated in concealing sexual abuse perpetrated by his superior. The timing of the decision, coinciding with Pope Francis’ visit to Budapest, amplified public scrutiny and fueled calls for accountability.
Novak, who made history as the first woman to assume the largely ceremonial role of president in March 2022, faced intense criticism from opposition leaders and activists demanding accountability for the controversial pardon. Shortly after Novak’s resignation, Judit Varga, another close ally of Orban who had endorsed the pardon as justice minister, also announced her withdrawal from public life.
Varga, who had relinquished her ministerial post to spearhead a European Parliament election bid, renounced her mandate as a Member of Parliament and the head of the European Parliament list.
