In a departure from the tumultuous cycles often seen in liberal European governments, Hungary, under conservative leadership, has largely remained out of the spotlight for administrative scandals.

However, recent events shook the nation as damning accusations surfaced against President Katalin Novak, culminating in her unexpected resignation live on television.

Novak publicly acknowledged her error and expressed regret for granting the controversial pardon.

BBC reported:

“The president of Hungary has resigned live on television over a decision to pardon a man convicted of covering up a child sexual abuse case. It was revealed last week President Novak had given clemency to a man jailed for forcing children to retract sexual abuse claims against a director of a state-run children’s home.”

“Judit Varga, the former minister of justice who approved the pardon, has also resigned from her new role leading the European elections campaign for Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s ruling Fidesz party.”

The revelation that 25 individuals were pardoned by President Novak last April, notably during a visit by Pope Francis to Hungary, stirred significant controversy after their identities were disclosed by Hungarian media.

Among those pardoned was the deputy director of a children’s home near Budapest, previously convicted for coercing children to retract abuse allegations against the home’s director, himself serving time for child abuse within the government-run institution.

Novak’s abrupt resignation took many by surprise, especially given her stature as a prominent Fidesz figure and a rare female politician in the party. She had been a staunch ally of Prime Minister Orban and, notably, had served as his family minister.

“Speaking in an address live on television, Ms Novak said she granted the pardon in the belief the convicted man ”˜did not exploit the vulnerability of the children under his oversight’. She apologized to victims who “might have felt that I did not stand up for them”.

”˜I made a mistake, as the pardon and the lack of reasoning were conducive to triggering doubts about the zero tolerance that applies to pedophilia’, Ms Novak added.”

Since assuming the presidency in 2022, she had been the first woman to hold the esteemed position in Hungary.

The fallout from the pardon scandal has unleashed an unprecedented political crisis for Hungary’s enduring nationalist government.

Thanks to our friends at The Gateway Pundit for contributing to this article.