In an unprecedented turn of events, Hungary’s President Katalin Novak has resigned live on television following a controversial decision to pardon a man convicted of covering up a child sex abuse case. Last week, it was revealed that President Novak had granted clemency to a man who forced children to withdraw sexual abuse claims against the director of a government children’s home.
Protests were gaining momentum in Hungary demanding his resignation, and the revelation of the details of the pardon further intensified public outrage. President Novak, a popular figure in the ruling Fidesz party and a rare female politician in Hungary’s male-dominated political landscape, admitted her mistake and apologized for the controversial decision.
The resignations also extend to former Justice Minister Judit Varga, who approved the pardon and was leading the European election campaign for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party. The scandal, which began with the revelations of 25 pardons granted by President Novak during Pope Francis’ visit last year, has dealt a serious blow to Hungary’s long-serving nationalist government.
Among the pardoned individuals was the deputy director of a children’s home near Budapest, who was convicted of forcing children to withdraw abuse claims against the facility’s director, who himself had eight convictions for child abuse. Was serving a year’s sentence. The revelation proved embarrassing for Fidesz, a party that has emphasized traditional family values in its social policies.
In a televised address, President Novak acknowledged the mistake and expressed regret, acknowledging that the pardoned individual “did not take advantage of the vulnerability of the children in his care.” He apologized to victims who may have felt let down and acknowledged the doubts raised about the zero tolerance policy on pedophilia.
The resignations of President Novak and Judit Varga are a significant blow to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and the Fidesz party. The dual departures of these prominent female politicians, both prominent figures in the party, are likely to have far-reaching implications, especially as Ms Varga is expected to lead the Fidesz list in the upcoming European elections in June.
The political scandal has pushed Hungary into uncharted territory, embarrassing a government that has long championed nationalist values. The fallout from the child abuse pardon scandal exposed weaknesses in the Fidesz party’s commitment to family values, leading to a seismic shift in Hungarian politics.