Katalin Novak has stepped down as Hungary’s President amidst public outrage over her decision to pardon a man convicted in a child sexual abuse case, a move that fuelled protests demanding her resignation.
President Novak’s resignation comes after days of escalating pressure and demonstrations urging her departure in the wake of the scandal.
BBC reports that the 46-year-old announced her resignation in a televised message on Saturday, February 10, where she acknowledged her mistake in issuing the controversial pardon.
Novak, who has been Hungary’s President since 2022, made history as the country’s first female President.
Confirming her resignation on X, Novak expressed gratitude to her friends worldwide and praised Hungary as a wonderful country with remarkable people.
She highlighted her efforts to raise awareness of Hungary’s positive aspects on the global stage.
“Today I resigned from my office as President of Hungary. Thank you for everything to all my friends in all four corners of the world.
“Hungary🇭🇺 is a wonderful country with marvelous people, a good partner, an even better friend and a reliable ally. I am glad that in the past years I could work to raise awareness of this in the world,” she wrote.
Following Novak’s resignation, another prominent female politician, Judit Varga from Fidesz, also stepped down.
Varga, who previously served as the Minister of Justice, resigned due to her association with the child sexual abuse pardon during her tenure.