Magyar Reacts to Chess Legend Polgar's Refusal of Hungarian Presidency

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar has commented on Judit Polgar's refusal of his proposal for her to become president. In a post on X, Magyar stated that Polgar informed him of her decision during a personal meeting on Monday.

Magyar expressed regret but emphasized his respect for her choice. He thanked her for handling the proposal with seriousness and for her openness and dignity. The prime minister also apologized for possible communication errors that may have affected the situation.

Polgar announced on July 20 that she was turning down the offer, citing an inability to take on the historical responsibility of uniting a divided nation. Magyar had previously said that the 49-year-old chess player could embody national unity.

Judit Polgar, along with her sisters Susan and Sofia, and Ildiko Madl, won the Chess Olympiad for Hungary's women's team in 1988. She is known for competing in men's tournaments and is considered one of the most talented female chess players ever, being the only woman to surpass the 2700 rating threshold.

It was previously reported that on July 18, President Tamás Sulyok signed constitutional amendments allowing his early resignation. These changes were approved by parliament, where Magyar's party Tisza holds a constitutional majority.