András Baka Sworn In as President of Hungary

András Baka took the oath of office as Hungary's president on August 19, completing the transition that began with his August 11 election by parliament (140–6, with Fidesz and KDNP boycotting). The ceremony formally installed Baka — the former Kúria (Supreme Court) chief justice removed by Orbán's government in 2011 and later vindicated by the European Court of Human Rights — succeeding interim President Ágnes Forsthoffer, who had held the office since Tamás Sulyok's July 20 departure. Baka's inauguration drew congratulations from world leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping, signaling continuity in Hungary's foreign relations despite the domestic political overhaul. His presidential powers are largely ceremonial but include referring legislation to the Constitutional Court and refusing to sign laws he deems unconstitutional.