Orban Taps Conservative Minister as First Woman President
- Family Minister Novak has urged traditional roles for women
- Orban locks allies into institutional roles before 2022 ballot
Viktor Orban speaks during a news conference in Budapest, Hungary, on Dec. 21.
Photographer: Akos Stiller/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban pledged to nominate a minister from his government known for defending anti-LGBTQ policies as Hungary’s first female president, locking another loyalist into an influential position before next year’s hotly contested elections.
Orban said he would name Family Affairs Minister Katalin Novak to replace Janos Ader when his five-year term expires next year. The largely ceremonial role is chosen by parliament, which Orban’s ruling Fidesz party controls with a two-thirds majority.