Hungary's President Faces Intense Pressure to Resign Over Controversial Pardon

President Katalin Novák is under fire for pardoning a man convicted in a child sexual abuse case, sparking widespread calls for her resignation.

President Katalin Novák granted a presidential pardon to a former deputy director of a state-run children's home, convicted as an accomplice in a child sexual abuse case.
Opposition parties in Hungary, including the largest, Democratic Coalition, have initiated ethics proceedings against Novák and are demanding her resignation.
The pardon, issued during Pope Francis' visit in April 2023, has allowed the convicted man to work among children again, raising significant public concern.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has proposed a constitutional amendment to prevent those convicted of crimes against children from receiving presidential pardons.
A protest against Novák's decision is planned for Friday in front of the presidential palace in Budapest.