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Tamas Sulyok is elected President of Hungary. Photo/Reuters
BUDAPEST – The Hungarian Parliament elected the head of the Constitutional Court Tamas Sulyok as the country's next president. It comes two weeks after Katalin Novak's unexpected resignation.
Novak, a close ally of conservative Prime Minister Viktor Orban, stepped down from the largely ceremonial presidency after he came under increasing pressure to pardon a man convicted of helping cover up sexual abuse at an orphanage.
Sulyok's quick election could help Orban regain the political initiative after a scandal that appeared to go against one of his party's main principles: its commitment to family and traditional Christian values.
Parliament elected Sulyok to a five-year term with the support of lawmakers from Orban's ruling party, who have a majority.
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“As a lawyer, as well as President of the Republic, I can provide the best service to society and defend national unity by upholding basic legal values,” said Sulyok in a statement after his nomination, reported by Reuters.
In a short speech after being elected, he promised transparency in his decisions regarding presidential pardons and awards.
Sulyok has been Chief Justice of Hungary's Constitutional Court since 2016, a mandate he also received with the support of lawmakers from the ruling Fidesz party.
He is expected to take office as president on March 5.
(ahm)