Judit Polgar declines offer to become Hungary’s president

Chess legend Judit Polgar on Monday turned down Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar’s offer to join his push to break with the Viktor Orban era as the country’s president.

“I do not feel I have the strength to take on the historic responsibility of uniting a divided nation, and so I am unable to accept the invitation,” Polgar posted on social media.

“I will do everything in my power to support a new, independent, and respected President of the Republic in achieving these goals,” she added.

After ejecting unpopular President Tamas Sulyok by constitutional amendment last week, Magyar backed Polgar late on Sunday as “a president of whom all Hungarians can be proud.”

“I regret her decision, but I respect it,” Magyar said on social media after Polgar’s announcement.