Socialists support ex-ombudsman to be nominated for president

Budapest (MTI) – László Majtényi, Hungary’s former ombudsman, could “represent the whole country” if elected president, the opposition Socialists said in a statement on Monday.

The idea of Majtényi’s nomination was raised by the President for the Republic civil group.

In their statement, the Socialists said Majtényi had already proven his commitment to a democratic rule of law and representing “those without power”.

“As ombudsman, Majtényi had worked to protect the rights, security and freedom of the people against the government at any time,” the statement said. The document added it would not serve Hungary’s interests if János Áder, the incumbent president, continued in his position and “assisted every move of the Orbán government, giving up values and principles”.

In its statement, the Socialist Party also called on the other “democratic” parties to support Majtenyi’s nomination.

The civil call for Majtényi’s nomination was signed by public personalities including former foreign minister Kinga Göncz, sociologist Zsuzsa Ferge, philosopher Ágnes Heller, pastor Gábor Iványi, political scientist László Kéri and economist Maria Zita Petschnig.

Source: MTI