Andras Baka to become Hungary's new president after Tamas Sulyok

Baka served as President of the Hungarian Constitutional Court from 2008 to 2014. His term saw several landmark decisions that sharply criticized the ruling Fidesz party. He later filed a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights over what he regarded as a politically motivated premature removal from office, a case that drew international attention. This backstory continues to shape the perception of Baka as a judge who took a confrontational course toward the top of government.

The incumbent President, Tamas Sulyok, had only taken over the office at the beginning of 2024 from Katalin Novák, who had resigned after a pardon affair involving someone convicted in a child abuse case. Sulyok was considered a juristically experienced but politically loyal candidate of the government. His departure from office has come as a surprise to observers and raises questions about the reasons and about the future role of the head of state in the power structure between Fidesz and the opposition.

Political environment and consequences

Should Baka actually be elected, this would be the second attempt to place a former constitutional judge at the head of state. Observers see the move as a possible attempt by the government to end the controversy surrounding Sulyok's tenure and the succession of Novák with a high-profile personnel decision. Critics, however, see it as an attempt to polish the image of the office with a well-known legal figure without fundamentally changing the political orientation of the presidency.

For the parliamentary election in Hungary, the succession is nevertheless not without significance. The head of state administers the oath of office to the government, can reject laws, and can convene parliament. Even though these powers are often exercised cautiously in practice, they can gain weight in political crisis situations. With Hungary's designated EU Council presidency next year, the office is gaining additional significance in foreign policy.

Baka himself has so far not publicly commented on the personnel decision. In legal circles, he is regarded as a proven expert in European constitutional law and as an advocate of independent judicial review. Should he be elected to the highest state office, under the Hungarian constitution he would have to be confirmed by a two-thirds majority of parliament. Whether he will reach that majority is currently open, as the opposition has signaled that it would not support Baka's election without further consideration.

Outlook on the parliamentary election

In political Budapest, the news is also fueling discussion about possible further personnel changes in the judiciary and state leadership. With an eye to the European Court of Human Rights, where Baka prevailed in his own case, his election could also recalibrate Hungary's relationship with Strasbourg. Fidesz has so far not officially commented on the personnel decision. The final decision in parliament is expected in the coming weeks.

At the same time, the personnel decision throws a spotlight on the role of the presidency in Hungary's system of government. While the office is largely ceremonial, in conflicts between government and opposition — for example over the promulgation of laws or the appointment of judges — it can become a political actor. What course Baka would take in such cases is currently open.