21.07.2026 01:50
Judit Polgar, widely regarded as the greatest female chess player of all time, declined the Hungarian presidential candidacy offered to her by Prime Minister Peter Magyar. The Hungarian athlete described this historic offer as "the greatest honor of her life" but did not accept the position, stating that she would support a new independent and non-partisan candidate.
Judit Polgar, Hungary's world-renowned chess champion, declined the presidential candidacy offer presented to her by Prime Minister Peter Magyar. Polgar stated that she did not feel strong enough to shoulder the responsibility of uniting a polarized nation.
Following the end of President Tamas Sulyok's term in line with the constitutional amendment adopted by the Hungarian Parliament, attention turned to the new presidential candidate. Prime Minister Peter Magyar, upon the recommendation of 16 prominent figures from the country's scientific, cultural, and sports circles, nominated Judit Polgar, widely regarded as the greatest female chess player of all time, for the presidency. However, the legendary chess player rejected this historic offer.
"I AM NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO UNITE A POLARIZED NATION"
Polgar, a Hungarian champion of Jewish descent who described the nomination as "the greatest honor of her life," thanked Prime Minister Magyar in a statement on her social media account for inviting an "independent and non-partisan candidate" to the role.
Explaining why she declined the offer, Polgar said, "I do not feel strong enough to take on the historic responsibility of uniting a polarized nation. Therefore, I cannot accept this proposal." Polgar emphasized that she would support a "new and independent" candidate who might take office.
PRESIDENT SULYOK'S TERM HAS ENDED
In the Hungarian Parliament, where Prime Minister Peter Magyar's Tisza Party achieved a majority capable of amending the constitution, a constitutional amendment ending the term of President Tamas Sulyok, known for his closeness to former Prime Minister Viktor Orban, was adopted. With the regulation coming into effect, Magyar proposed Polgar for the position.
SHE ETCHED HER NAME IN CHESS HISTORY IN GOLDEN LETTERS
Alongside her sisters Zsuzsa and Zsofia, and Ildiko Madl, Judit Polgar led the Hungarian women's team to victory at the 1988 Chess Olympiad, ending the Soviet Union's long-standing dominance. Recognized as the most talented female player in chess history, Polgar holds the title of the only female chess player to surpass the 2700 ELO rating threshold, achieving the "Super Grandmaster" level.