András Baka facts for kids

Quick facts for kids András Baka
András Baka in 2026
President-elect of Hungary
Assuming office 19 August 2026
Succeeding	Tamás Sulyok
President of the Supreme Court
In office 25 June 2009 – 31 December 2011
Preceded by	Zoltán Lomnici
Succeeded by	Péter Darák
Judge of the European Court of Human Rights from Hungary
In office 23 April 1991 – 31 January 2008
Preceded by	Position established
Succeeded by	András Sajó
Member of the National Assembly
In office 2 May 1990 – 31 May 1991
President of the Confederation of Unions of Professionals [hu]
In office 20 September 1989 – May 1990
Preceded by	Union established
Succeeded by	László Kis Papp
President of the Trade Union of Scientific and Innovation Workers [hu]
In office 25 June 1988 – May 1990
Preceded by	Union established
Succeeded by	László Kuti
Personal details
Born	András Bálint Baka (1952-12-11) 11 December 1952 (age 73) Budapest, Hungary
Political party	Independent (associated with TISZA)
Education	ELTE Faculty of Law
Occupation	Jurist Professor

András Bálint Baka (born 11 December 1952) is a Hungarian expert in law and a public figure involved in government. He was elected as the President of Hungary on August 11, 2026. He will officially start his job on August 19, 2026.

Before becoming president, Mr. Baka held several important roles. From 2009 to 2011, he was the president of Hungary's highest court, the Supreme Court. He also served as a member of the National Assembly, which is like Hungary's parliament, from 1990 to 1991.

András Baka's Early Life

András Baka was born on December 11, 1952. He studied law at the ELTE Faculty of Law and earned his degree in 1978.

Starting His Career

Mr. Baka began his career as a legal scholar, meaning he studied and taught about law, at a special institute in Hungary. Later, he helped lead a college that trained people for public service.

He also led groups that represented workers. From 1988 to 1990, he was president of the Trade Union of Scientific and Innovation Workers. From 1989 to 1990, he led the Confederation of Unions of Professionals.

From 1990 to 1991, Mr. Baka was an independent member of the National Assembly. He was chosen from a list of candidates by the Hungarian Democratic Forum party.

Serving as a European Judge

For two terms, from 1991 to 2008, Mr. Baka served as the Hungarian judge at the European Court of Human Rights. This important court helps make sure that countries in Europe respect human rights.

Leading Hungary's Highest Court

From 2009 to 2011, Mr. Baka was the president, or chief justice, of Hungary's Supreme Court. He was chosen for this role by a vote in the National Assembly. People described him as an independent and traditional lawyer.

In 2011, his time as president of the Supreme Court ended earlier than planned. The government at the time made changes that led to his removal. The government changed the name of the Supreme Court to the "Curia." This change allowed them to appoint a new leader for the court.

Later, in 2014, the European Court of Human Rights looked into what happened. They decided that the way Mr. Baka was removed was not fair. They said it went against his right to a fair process and his right to speak freely. This was because he had openly shared his opinions about the government. The court's decision highlighted the importance of fairness in how leaders are chosen and removed. The government at the time did not agree with these findings.

Becoming President of Hungary

On August 8, 2026, the Tisza Party chose Mr. Baka as their candidate for President of Hungary. Party members in parliament voted secretly to pick him from a list of candidates. This happened after the Prime Minister's first choice, Judit Polgár, decided not to take the job because of the pressure it would involve.

The National Assembly voted on the new president on August 11, 2026. Since the Tisza Party had many members in parliament, Mr. Baka's election was successful. Mr. Baka is still an independent politician, meaning he does not belong to any political party.

The previous president, Tamás Sulyok, was removed from office by a change to the country's main rules (the constitution). Prime Minister Péter Magyar wanted Mr. Sulyok removed. He believed Mr. Sulyok was too supportive of the previous prime minister. Even though he disagreed, Mr. Sulyok signed the change after parliament approved it.

Before being chosen for president, Mr. Baka had said he felt hopeful about the change. He mentioned that moving forward from the previous government's time needed important steps. The same change to the constitution stated that the new president would stay in office for a maximum of five years, or until a new constitution was created. The President of Hungary has a role that is mostly about representing the country, rather than making daily government decisions.

On August 11, 2026, Mr. Baka was elected as the eighth President of Hungary. He will officially start his job on August 19, 2026.