Budapest, Hungary – In a shocking turn of events, Hungarian President Katalin Novak has tendered her resignation following widespread public outrage over a decision to pardon a man implicated in a child sexual abuse case. Known as a close ally of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Novak publicly admitted her mistake and expressed her apologies to those affected by her actions.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Novak stated, “I am resigning my post. I apologize to those who I hurt and all the victims who may have had the impression that I did not support them. I am, I was, and I will remain in favor of protecting children and families.”
Novak, aged 46, became the first woman to assume the essentially ceremonial role of Hungarian President in March 2022, after serving as a minister for family policy. However, the recent controversy surrounding her decision to pardon a former deputy director of a children’s home has cast a shadow over her tenure.
The pardon, granted in April last year during Pope Francis’ visit to Budapest, was given to an individual who had actively participated in covering up sexual abuse of children and adolescents at the facility. The revelation of this decision by independent news site 444 last week triggered intense criticism from opposition members, who immediately called for Novak’s resignation.
Just minutes after Novak’s announcement, another close ally of Prime Minister Orban, Judit Varga, also declared her “withdrawal from public life.” Varga, who had approved the controversial pardon as the justice minister but subsequently stepped down from the position to lead an election campaign for the European Parliament, confirmed her resignation on Facebook.
“I renounce my mandate as an MP and the head of the list for the European Parliament,” Varga stated on social media, acknowledging her role in the controversial decision.
As the nation grapples with the fallout of this scandal, Hungarian citizens and opposition groups have voiced their concerns about the decision-making process regarding pardons for individuals involved in such heinous crimes. Authorities and public figures are now under immense pressure to address the issue and restore public trust in the justice system.
The resignation of President Katalin Novak and the subsequent withdrawal of Judit Varga reflect a growing sentiment among the Hungarian people that accountability and ethical governance should be prioritized, especially when it comes to matters concerning the safety and well-being of children.
The search for a successor to fill the vacant position of Hungarian President has already commenced, and the government is expected to proceed swiftly to restore stability amidst this tumultuous period.
