Majtényi said that his nomination would “involve a special responsibility” and went on to say that decision makers should only support him if they meant to “restore democracy in which independent institutions ensure constitutional control over public authority as well as fundamental rights”.

He added that voters should also be granted “the opportunity to replace the government from time to time”.

The civil call for Majtényi’s nomination was signed by public personalities including former foreign minister Kinga Göncz, sociologist Zsuzsa Ferge, philosopher Ágnes Heller, pastor Gábor Iványi, political scientist László Kéri and economist Mária Zita Petschnig. The five-year term of János Áder, the incumbent president, will expire in May.

Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.