Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar said he regretted Judit Polgár’s decision not to accept a potential presidential nomination but would respectfully acknowledge it. He also took personal responsibility for communication mistakes surrounding the selection process.

Magyar published a video statement on Facebook on Monday evening after holding talks with Polgár, whom he described as “a living legend of Hungary”.

According to the prime minister, the chess grandmaster told him that, considering the circumstances surrounding the proposed nomination, she would not stand for the presidency.

“I am sorry, but I respectfully acknowledge her decision,” Magyar said.

He added that millions of Hungarians would probably agree that the country would have gained an exceptional opportunity had Judit Polgár agreed to serve as head of state.

Magyar praised her knowledge, international reputation, humanity and patriotism, arguing that these qualities could have made her an outstanding president.

Magyar says Judit Polgár acted responsibly

The prime minister said Polgár’s refusal itself demonstrated that she would have been suitable for the position.

In his assessment, she had carefully considered the weight of the office, including its personal and public consequences, before reaching a clear and honest decision.

Magyar thanked Polgár for taking the proposal seriously and praised the openness, directness and dignity with which she handled the situation.

Following their conversation, he said he respected her even more because she had shown responsibility, restraint, humanity and commitment to Hungary.

“Judit Polgár’s life, achievements and service to Hungary are an example to all of us,” the prime minister said.

Polgár, widely regarded as the strongest female chess player in history, announced earlier on Monday that she did not feel she had sufficient strength to assume the historic responsibility of uniting a divided nation. She nevertheless promised to support a future independent and respected president.

Prime minister accepts responsibility for communication mistakes

Magyar also addressed the criticism surrounding the speed and handling of the attempted nomination.

He apologised if communication errors caused by his enthusiasm and complete confidence in Polgár had contributed to the situation or influenced her decision.

“The responsibility lies solely with me,” he said.

The proposed nomination had prompted criticism from politicians, analysts and civil society organisations. Some argued that the process appeared rushed and did not provide enough time for meaningful public discussion.

Magyar acknowledged that events had not unfolded in a manner everyone would regard as correct or ideal. However, he argued that no selection process could gain the support of every citizen.

He said the government and the governing Tisza Party would learn from both their mistakes and the experience.

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Tisza to continue searching for Hungary’s next president

Magyar insisted that the government had requested recommendations from political parties, public figures, civil organisations and private citizens from the beginning of the process.

He said Polgár had been proposed by respected representatives of Hungary’s cultural, scientific and sporting communities, while several other public and confidential recommendations had also been received.

The prime minister contrasted this process with previous presidential selections, which he claimed had been decided through agreements between political parties. This was Magyar’s political characterisation of the earlier procedure.

Under the current transitional rules, Hungary’s National Assembly will elect a president to serve until a new constitution is adopted. Magyar said the Tisza parliamentary group was expected to meet several times during the week to assess the proposed candidates before submitting its nomination to parliament.

According to the prime minister, Tisza will support a candidate who can represent the entire nation, possesses authority based on personal achievement and remains independent of party-political conflicts.

He said the party would not back anyone who had played a prominent role as an MP, minister or senior partisan figure during the divisive political decades preceding the 2026 change of government.

Magyar concluded that Hungary needed a president capable of bringing estranged social groups closer together after decades of political confrontation.

The search will therefore continue for a candidate whose integrity, judgement, patriotism and public service are recognised across political divisions.

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