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- Resignation of Hungarian President Katalin Novak on 11 February 2024:
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- Novak resigned under pressure due to the controversial pardon granted to a man convicted of covering up sexual abuse in a children’s home. Her decision in last year’s April, to grant a pardon triggered doubts about the zero tolerance for pedophilia. Novak announced her resignation on state television, acknowledging her mistake in granting the pardon. Novak, a close ally of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, cut short an official visit to Qatar and returned to Budapest unexpectedly.
- Resignation of Former Justice Minister Judit Varga:
- Judit Varga, who signed off on the pardon and was expected to lead Fidesz’s list for elections, resigned as a Fidesz MP and from public life.
- Varga took responsibility for her decision amid public uproar and opposition demands.
- Rare Setback for Prime Minister Orban:
- The scandal is seen as a rare setback for Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has been in power since 2010.
- Orban faces European parliament elections amid the country’s emergence from an inflation crisis.
- Orban’s Stance on LGBTQ Issues:
- Orban, known for opposing LGBTQ activism, has faced disagreements with the European Commission on various matters, including LGBTQ rights in schools.
- Political Response:
- Opposition parties had demanded Novak’s resignation earlier in the week, and on Friday, demonstrators rallied at Novak’s office calling for her to quit.
- Orban submitted a constitutional amendment, interpreted by some as a message to Novak, to contain political damage.
- European Parliament Elections Context:
- The scandal comes as Hungary faces European parliament elections, adding to the political challenges for Orban’s government.
