Hungary’s governing Tisza party has put forward Andras Baka, a former president of the country’s Supreme Court, as its candidate for the nation’s next president. The nomination, announced on Saturday by Prime Minister Peter Magyar, represents a significant move by the Tisza party as it seeks to reshape Hungary’s state institutions following its decisive election victory in April.

This nomination is part of Tisza’s broader strategy to diminish the influence of the previous Viktor Orban government over key state bodies. It follows a recent constitutional amendment that led to the removal of former President Tamas Sulyok, who was appointed during Orban’s tenure. The presidency in Hungary is largely a ceremonial role with limited powers, but the selection of Baka is seen as a symbolic gesture towards restoring judicial independence.

Baka, a 73-year-old jurist, is expected to be confirmed by the parliament on Tuesday, where Tisza commands a constitutional majority. Prime Minister Magyar described the nomination, decided by a secret ballot within the party’s parliamentary group, as “one of its most important decisions so far.” Tisza lawmakers highlighted Baka’s consistent defense of the rule of law and judicial independence, stating his experience would be valuable in establishing Hungary’s “new constitutional order.”

The opposition party, Fidesz, has stated it will boycott the presidential vote, accusing Tisza of employing authoritarian tactics. Tisza has denied these allegations. Baka’s past includes serving two terms as a judge on the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg before leading Hungary’s Supreme Court from 2009. He was removed from his Supreme Court position in 2012 after he publicly criticized reforms enacted by the Orban government, which he argued undermined judicial independence.

His dismissal later drew a ruling from the European court, which found that Hungary had violated Baka’s rights to a fair trial and freedom of expression. The Council of Europe noted that Hungary had not fully implemented this judgment. The nomination of Baka is therefore being interpreted as a strong statement on the importance of judicial integrity and a departure from the practices of the previous administration.

Baka’s selection is seen by many as a deliberate effort to signal a new era for Hungary, one that prioritizes legal principles and democratic checks and balances. His background as a judge at the European Court of Human Rights lends significant weight to his candidacy, suggesting a commitment to international legal standards.

The Tisza party’s legislative majority ensures Baka’s election, making the Fidesz boycott largely symbolic. However, it underscores the deep political divisions within Hungary and the ongoing debate over the country’s future direction and institutional governance.

As Hungary moves forward under Tisza’s leadership, the focus will likely remain on how the party implements its agenda for institutional reform. Baka’s role as president, though ceremonial, will be closely watched for its symbolic impact and potential to influence the national discourse on the rule of law and democratic values.