Jewish ‘chess queen’ Judit Polgar declines offer to become Hungary’s president

Jewish chess champion Judit Polgar declined the offer to become Hungary's president, just one day after new Prime Minister Peter Magyar proposed her for the largely ceremonial post. Polgar, considered the greatest female chess player, stated on Facebook that while grateful, she lacked the strength to unite a divided nation. Magyar's offer followed the removal of outgoing President Tamas Sulyok, whom Magyar criticized as a "puppet" of former Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Polgar, who has deep personal ties to Israel, expressed pride in her Jewish heritage, stating, "I am very proud to be Jewish." This political development is part of Magyar's broader efforts to dismantle power structures established by Orban, who was accused of authoritarian rule.