21.07.2026 06:50
Hungary’s legendary chess player Judit Polgar declined the presidential candidacy offer presented by Prime Minister Peter Magyar. Polgar stated that she does not feel strong enough to unite a polarized nation and announced she would not accept the role.
In a constitutional amendment passed by the Hungarian Parliament, world-renowned chess master Judit Polgar, nominated for the presidency by Prime Minister Peter Magyar after the end of President Tamas Sulyok's term, declined the offer.
Polgar, regarded as one of the greatest female chess players of all time, described the nomination as "the greatest honor of my life" in a statement on her social media account, while thanking Prime Minister Peter Magyar for seeking an independent and non-partisan candidate.
"I AM NOT STRONG ENOUGH"
Stating that she is not ready to assume the presidency, Polgar said in her statement: "However, I do not feel strong enough to take on the historic responsibility of uniting a polarized nation. Therefore, I cannot accept this offer."
Polgar also stated that she would support an independent and new presidential candidate.
SULYOK'S TERM HAS ENDED
The parliament, where the Tisza Party led by Prime Minister Peter Magyar reached a majority capable of making constitutional amendments, had accepted the regulation ending the term of President Tamas Sulyok, a figure close to former Prime Minister Viktor Orban. After the constitutional amendment took effect, Magyar nominated Judit Polgar for the presidency following the recommendation of 16 names from scientific, cultural, and sports circles.
ETCHED HER NAME IN CHESS HISTORY
Judit Polgar, along with her sisters Zsuzsa and Zsofia Polgar and Ildiko Madl, ended the Soviet Union's long-standing dominance by leading the Hungarian Women's National Team to championship at the 1988 Chess Olympiad. Polgar also made history as the only female chess player to surpass the 2700 Elo rating threshold, considered by many authorities as the "Super Grandmaster" level.