Hungarian president resigns after rallies in Budapest

Hungarian President Katalin Novak resigned on Saturday, February 10, following protests in Budapest over the pardon of a man convicted of helping to cover up sexual abuse in an orphanage.

"I made a mistake... Today is the last day I address you as president," Novak said.

On Saturday, she cut short her official visit to Qatar and returned to Budapest. Novak announced her resignation on state television.

"I decided to pardon him in April last year, believing that the convict had not abused the vulnerability of the children he was looking after. I made a mistake because the pardon and the lack of argumentation were appropriate to raise doubts about the zero tolerance applied to pedophilia," she said.

Hungarian National Assembly member Judit Varga, who also signed the pardon document, said on Saturday, February 10, that she was resigning from her post, taking responsibility for her decision.

"I am staying in public life, I am resigning my powers as a legislator, as well as the first place in the European party list," Varga said.

For reference: On Friday, February 9, at least 1,000 people protested in the Hungarian capital Budapest, demanding the resignation of President Katalin Novak over her decision to pardon a man convicted as an accomplice for helping to cover up a case of sexual abuse in an orphanage.

Author - Serhii Kolomiets, 11/02/2024