Hungary's president resigns over child sexual abuse scandal

Hungary's president has resigned amid outrage over her pardoning of a man convicted in a child sexual abuse case.

President Katalin Novak faced days of growing pressure to resign because of her controversial decision to pardon a man who was convicted of covering up crimes committed by a sexual predator at a children’s home.

The 46-year-old announced in a televised message on Saturday that she would step down from the presidency, an office she has held since 2022. 

“I issued a pardon that caused bewilderment and unrest for many people,” Novák said on Saturday. “I made a mistake.”

Novak - the first female president in Hungary's history - had unleashed a political scandal unprecedented for the country's long-serving nationalist government, Fidesz. 

Her resignation is a rare episode of turmoil for the right-wing party, which under the leadership of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has been accused of dismantling democratic institutions and rigging the media in its favour. 

Novak, a key ally of Orbán, has been an outspoken advocate of traditional family values and the protection of children. 

"We know for sure that no serious decision is made around the Fidesz House without Viktor Orbán's knowledge and consent," wrote Hungarian politician Donáth Anna on Facebook.

"Viktor Orbán must stand up and explain what happened. Judit Varga signed the pardon on behalf of the prime minister and his government. This is Orbán's system, so his responsibility cannot be denied."

Hungary's main opposition parties have called for a presidential election.

"In order to prevent this from happening again.... we are taking the initiative so that the people, not Viktor Orbán and the Parliament, decide on the person of the new president of the republic, as it