I Made a Mistake: Hungarian President Katalin Resigns For Pardoning A Criminal

By Frank Kamuntu

The president of Hungary, Katalin Novák, has resigned after granting a pardon to a man convicted in a child abuse case.

Novak stated during the announcement that her decision to pardon the deputy director of a government-run children’s home has received backlash and left many confused and unsettled.

What Led To President Katalin Novák’s Resignation?

Following a public uproar by both the opposition government and other Hungarians since the pardon in April 2023, the president said that she had realised that she had made a mistake, as children are a unifying factor for the Hungarians.

“In April last year, I decided in favour of granting pardon in the belief that the convicted did not take advantage of the vulnerability of the children entrusted to his care. I made a mistake because the decision to grant pardon and the absence of the reasons behind it allowed for doubts to be raised in connection with the policy of zero tolerance on child sexual abuse.

I apologise to those whom I offended and to all victims who might have felt that I failed to stand up for them. I stood for families and children in the past. I stand for them today and will stand for them tomorrow,” she said.

According to the mother of three, the citizens were right to demand her resignation, as she would also do the same if the rights of the children were in any way violated.

As per Novák, whose duties were mainly ceremonial, the decision to step down from her office after two years of service encompassed a lot of questions, including betraying the oath.

“Today is the last time I address you as President of Hungary. I am resigning from my position as president. I apologise to those who now feel that I am abandoning them. Who now feels that hate has conquered love. Thank you for having given purpose and meaning to the office of President of Hungary,” she added.

The pardoned man was sentenced to three years in prison for forcefully demanding children retract sexual abuse suits against a director of a state-run children’s home who had been jailed for eight years.