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World / Mon, 20 Jul 2026 Chess News | ChessBase

Hungary's PM nominates Judit Polgar for presidency (Update: Polgar declines)

Update (20 July)In a Facebook post, Judit Polgar declined the invitation, emphasising her being honoured for the invitation, though noting that she does not feel "strong enough to take on the historical responsibility of uniting a divided nation". I will support a new, independent and recognised President of the Republic in every possible way to achieve these goals. Master Class Vol.16 - Judit Polgar In this video course, experts (Pelletier, Marin, Müller and Reeh) examine the games of Judit Polgar. In this video course, experts (Pelletier, Marin, Müller and Reeh) examine the games of Judit Polgar. Judit Polgár, who was nominated today for President of the Republic by respected figures in Hungarian public life, is such a person.

Update (20 July)

In a Facebook post, Judit Polgar declined the invitation, emphasising her being honoured for the invitation, though noting that she does not feel "strong enough to take on the historical responsibility of uniting a divided nation". The full post:

I consider it an honour of my life to be invited by the initiators to the position of President of the Republic, and I am extremely grateful for it. I appreciate the Prime Minister's gesture, as despite the party's significant parliamentary weight, he has nominated an independent candidate for the President of the Republic, above parties. However, I do not feel strong enough to take on the historical responsibility of uniting a divided nation, so I cannot accept the invitation. I will support a new, independent and recognised President of the Republic in every possible way to achieve these goals.

The news was first announced on the official Facebook page of the Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar (Ed: Magyar literally translates to 'Hungarian' in English).

Master Class Vol.16 - Judit Polgar In this video course, experts (Pelletier, Marin, Müller and Reeh) examine the games of Judit Polgar. Let them show you which openings Polgar chose to play, where her strength in middlegames were, or how she outplayed her opponents in the endgame. In this video course, experts (Pelletier, Marin, Müller and Reeh) examine the games of Judit Polgar. Let them show you which openings Polgar chose to play, where her strength in middlegames were, or how she outplayed her opponents in the endgame.

And on it he posted the following on Sunday evening:

The English translation states:

Our country needs unity, peace, and a president every Hungarian can be proud of. The office of President of the Republic is not a profession or a job, but the highest form of service. The president’s duty is to serve and represent. Every Hungarian.

Judit Polgár, who was nominated today for President of the Republic by respected figures in Hungarian public life, is such a person. That is why I will meet with her tomorrow and ask whether she is prepared to serve our country in a new role until the adoption of the new Constitution.

For decades, the name Judit Polgár has been synonymous with talent and perseverance. As the most successful female player in the history of chess, she led the women’s world rankings continuously for 26 years, while also reaching the top ten in the overall world rankings.

She is a five-time Chess Olympiad champion, an international grandmaster, and a recipient of the Hungarian Order of Saint Stephen. Her extraordinary life story was recently featured in the documentary The Queen of Chess. A few weeks ago, she was also elected a member of Christ’s College at the University of Cambridge.

Judit Polgár’s career has always been defined by achievement. The recognition she has earned is due not to political affiliations or connections, but to her exceptional talent, diligence, extraordinary resilience, and integrity. She is a Hungarian whose accomplishments command respect and admiration both at home and around the world.

Personally, I would consider it a tremendous honor if she accepted the nomination.

This has since been reported and confirmed by Reuters and other news outlets.

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