Hungarian President Katalin Novak has tendered her resignation amidst growing public backlash over her decision to pardon a man involved in a child sexual abuse case. Novak, a staunch ally of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, made the announcement following widespread criticism within Hungary.
In her televised address on Saturday, Novak admitted to an error in judgment, stating, “I decided to grant a pardon last April, believing that the convict did not exploit the vulnerability of the children whom he had overseen.” She acknowledged the lack of rationale behind her decision, which contributed to doubts about the country’s zero-tolerance stance on pedophilia.
The controversy stemmed from Novak’s pardon of a former deputy director of a children’s home, who aided the concealment of his superior’s sexual abuse of minors. This decision, made ahead of a visit by Pope Francis in April 2023, triggered outrage and led to calls for Novak’s resignation.
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Protests erupted in Budapest, with thousands demanding accountability from Novak. Opposition parties in Hungary have been vocal in their insistence on her resignation, adding pressure to the already embattled president.
Novak, who became Hungary’s first female president in 2022, expressed regret for any harm caused by her actions. “I apologize to those whom I may have offended and to all the victims who might have felt that I did not stand up for them,” she stated, reaffirming her commitment to safeguarding children and families.
The resignation marks the end of Novak’s brief tenure as president, underscoring the tumultuous nature of Hungarian politics and the challenges facing its leadership.
