Hungarian proposes chess grandmaster Judit Polgar as interim president of Hungary

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar said he is nominating chess grandmaster Judit Polgar as interim president of the country, after President Tamas Šuljók signed a constitutional amendment ending his term.

"Our country needs unity, peace and a president that every Hungarian can be proud of," the Hungarian said in a Facebook post, noting that this was not an ordinary job, but the highest office.

Stressing that the president's task is to serve and represent all Hungarians, the Prime Minister pointed out that Judit Polgár, who was recommended for president by renowned figures from Hungarian public life, is such a person, which is why he will meet her tomorrow and ask her if she is ready to serve the country in a new role until the adoption of the new Constitution.

"For decades, the name Judit Polgar has been synonymous with talent and perseverance. As the most successful player in the history of chess, she led the women's world rankings for 26 years without interruption, and at the same time was among the top ten players in the absolute world rankings. Five-time Olympic chess champion, international grandmaster, recipient of the Hungarian Order of St. Stephen," the Hungarian pointed out, adding that her extraordinary life was recently featured in the documentary "Queen of Chess", and that a few weeks ago she was elected a fellow of Christ's College at the University of Cambridge.

Stressing that the career of Judit Polgar, a Hungarian of Jewish origin, has always been focused on achievements, the Hungarian also emphasized that she does not owe her reputation to political affiliations or connections, but to exceptional talent, diligence, unprecedented resilience and integrity, Fonet reports.

"She is a Hungarian whose achievements have brought her respect and recognition at home and around the world. Personally, I would consider it a great honor if she accepted the invitation," the Hungarian said of Judit Polgar.