Hungarian PM nominates Jewish chess icon Judit Polgar for president

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced Sunday that he plans to offer the country's presidency to Jewish chess legend Judit Polgar, describing her as a respected national figure capable of uniting a politically divided Hungary.

The announcement came after incumbent President Tamas Sulyok effectively brought his term to an end by signing a constitutional amendment designed to dismantle the power structures of former Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who ruled Hungary for 16 years.

Magyar argued that the country now needs a president who can rise above political divisions. Like in Israel, Hungary's presidency is largely ceremonial but serves as an important national symbol.

"Our country needs unity, peace and a president whom the entire Hungarian people can be proud of," Magyar argued.

"The office of president of the republic is not a profession and not a workplace, but the highest form of public service. The president’s role is to serve and represent all Hungarians," he continued.

Magyar said prominent Hungarian figures had encouraged him to consider Polgar for the role.

"Judit Polgar is such a person," Magyar wrote. "Tomorrow I will meet her and ask whether she is prepared to serve her country in a new role."

Polgar, who turns 50 in a few days, is widely considered the greatest female chess player of all time. She held the No. 1 ranking among female chess players for 26 consecutive years and also broke into the overall world top 10 rankings.

An international grandmaster, Polgar won the Chess Olympiad five times and received the Hungarian Order of St. Stephen for her achievements. Her career was recently chronicled in the American documentary Queen of Chess. In addition, Polgar was recently elected a fellow at Christ's College, University of Cambridge.

"For decades, Judit Polgar’s name has stood for talent and perseverance," Magyar argued.

"She is a Hungarian whose achievements inspire respect and admiration both at home and around the world," the Hungarian prime minister continued. "Personally, I would consider it a great privilege and an immense honor if she accepted this request."

Hungarian news outlet Telex assessed that Magyar hopes to install an internationally respected public figure such as Polgar as the country's next president. It remains unclear whether she will accept the offer.

During her career, Polgar defeated world champions including Anatoly Karpov and Garry Kasparov. The Polgar family is well respected within Hungary's Jewish community, and she has relatives living in both the United States and Israel.

In a February interview with Ynet News, Polgar expressed pride in her Jewish identity.

"I am very proud to be Jewish," she said. "I know how difficult things are for us now, and I am very much with you there in Israel."

The chess master also praised Israel's resilience amid rising antisemitism and ongoing security threats.

"It is amazing to me how many difficult days Israelis are going through and yet still manage to smile and live their daily lives," she assessed. "I hope we all have the strength to keep smiling."

Former Prime Minister Viktor Orban was widely regarded as one of Israel's strongest allies in Europe but drew criticism over his close ties with Russia and his skepticism toward the European Union's immigration policies, contributing to tensions between Budapest and Brussels.

By contrast, Magyar has signaled his intention to strengthen Hungary's relationship with the European Union while maintaining close ties with Israel. In April, he invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit Hungary.