**Hungary Elects Andras Baka as New President, Marking a Shift from Orban's Era**
Hungary's National Assembly has elected Andras Baka, a former chief justice and outspoken critic of former Prime Minister Viktor Orban, as the new president of the country. The decision was made during a secret ballot held on August 11, 2026, where Baka received 140 votes in favor, with only six votes against and no abstentions.
Baka's nomination came from the Tisza party, which currently holds a constitutional majority in parliament, exceeding two-thirds of the seats. During the nomination process, Tisza lawmakers emphasized Baka's extensive experience in the judiciary, describing it as a significant asset in laying the groundwork for what they termed a "new constitutional order" in Hungary.
The election of Baka is part of a broader political shift in Hungary following the recent electoral defeat of Orban's Fidesz party, which had dominated the political landscape for over a decade. The Fidesz party chose to boycott the vote, accusing Tisza of employing authoritarian tactics to reshape the political system, a claim that Tisza officials have denied.
At 73 years old, Baka has a distinguished background in law, having served two terms as a judge on the European Court of Human Rights before becoming the head of Hungary's Supreme Court in 2009. His tenure as chief justice was cut short in 2011 when he was removed from office after publicly criticizing Orban's government reforms, which he argued posed a threat to judicial independence.
Baka is set to take office on August 19, succeeding Tamas Sulyok, an Orban appointee who was ousted from the presidency through a constitutional amendment. This amendment is part of Tisza's extensive campaign to dismantle the political structures established by Orban during his 16 years in power.
While the role of the president in Hungary is largely ceremonial, with limited powers to veto or refer legislation, Baka's election is viewed by many as a significant repudiation of Orban's legacy. Tisza has also utilized its parliamentary majority to implement various reforms, including changes to media regulations, the establishment of an anti-corruption task force, and the introduction of an eight-year term limit for the prime ministership, effectively preventing Orban from returning to power.
As Hungary navigates this political transition, Baka's presidency may signal a new chapter in the country's governance, reflecting a shift towards restoring judicial independence and addressing the concerns raised during Orban's administration.