President Katalin Novak Resigns

Hungary’s President Katalin Novak has resigned over pardoning an individual. This individual was found guilty of concealing sexual offenses against minors by their boss in 2022. Novak stated on the national television channel M1 on Saturday (February 10, 2024), “As the head of state, I am addressing you for the last time today. I am resigning from the position of President of the Republic.

Novak Asks for Forgiveness

Novak said, “I apologize to those whom I have hurt and to the victims who felt I wasn’t standing up for them. I was with the children and families, and will always be.”

Novak had pardoned Andre, a former deputy director of a children’s home, in April 2023. According to a report by the news agency Shinua, the revelation about this pardon was made by the local news site 444.HU. Following this, there were protests demanding her resignation in Budapest on Friday.

Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Thursday on Facebook that the government has presented a constitutional amendment to prevent pardoning criminals of crimes against minors.

What’s the Case?

Last year, a case related to children surfaced in Hungary. During that time, it was revealed that the owner of a children’s home was sexually abusing children. Despite the case coming to light, the deputy director of the children’s home did not share information about it with the police, but rather completely suppressed the case.

When this incident came to light, a case was filed against the deputy director. However, during the Pope’s visit to Budapest in 2023, he was pardoned. Since then, the opposition has been continuously demanding Katalin Novak’s resignation.

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