Katalin Novak becomes Hungary's first female president

Katalin Novák has been elected as Hungary's first feminine president.

She obtained 137 votes from MPs on Thursday, forward of her opposition rival, economist Péter Róna, with 51.

Novák, 44, is a loyal supporter of populist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and previously served as Hungary's youth and household minister.

"So assist me God," Novák mentioned after successful the assist of MPs, whereas additionally condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine as "unacceptable".

She had been favorite to win the presidential vote, on condition that Orban's Fidesz occasion holds a big majority within the Hungarian parliament.

Novák has defended Hungary's conventional household values and delivered a passionate speech to MPs earlier than the vote.

Her appointment comes lower than a month earlier than Hungary's parliamentary elections, that are anticipated to be shut.

The six opposition events have shaped an unprecedented alliance within the hope of toppling Fidesz and Orban, who has been criticised for attacking the rule of regulation since 2010.

Opposition chief Peter Marki-Zay had mentioned that Novak was "unfit" for the submit of president due to her closeness to the Hungarian PM.

Her predecessor Janos Ader was himself a co-founder of Fidesz and had held the presidency since 2012.

Novák will maintain a five-year time period as Hungary's president, the place she has the ability to briefly block legal guidelines and name referendums.