2024-02-10 17:38:52
Nóvak acknowledges that “he was wrong” and apologizes to “those he hurt”
MADRID, 10 Feb. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The president of Hungary, Katalin Nóvak, announced this Saturday her resignation after the demonstrations against her for having pardoned a deputy director of an orphanage found guilty of covering up sexual abuse of ten minors by the center’s director.
“I resign. The decision is not difficult for personal reasons. It is difficult because I took an oath. I had to find an answer to the question of whether I could continue to serve as president for the benefit of the Hungarian nation,” she said, according to a statement. published by the Presidency through its website.
Thus, he has maintained that he adopted “a measure of grace” that “caused confusion and discomfort to many people,” in reference to the aforementioned pardon. “It is understandable that they expect an explanation. The power of forgiveness is perhaps the most sensitive of all,” she argued.
“In April of last year, I spoke out in favor of clemency believing that the convict did not abuse the vulnerability of the children in his care. I was wrong, because the decision and the lack of justification could raise doubts about zero tolerance with pedophilia,” he explained.
Thus, Nóvak has stressed that “there is no doubt and there can be no doubt in this.” “I would never have forgiven someone who I consider to be physically or mentally abusing a minor.” “That’s how it was before and that’s how it is today,” said the former president of Hungary.
“Children are our most important treasure. I believe that the nation is united in this, despite all differences of opinion. Protecting children is our common duty. I gave birth to three children, so I personally experienced how a life unprotected and vulnerable needs security and protection,” he said.
“As a Hungarian, I hope that the president does not make mistakes. If you make them, you must face those to whom you owe a debt and take responsibility. Even by resigning from office. I apologize to those he has hurt and to the victims that they may have felt that I have not defended them,” he stressed.
Finally, he emphasized that “politics is a harsh and sometimes cruel world.” “Some think it’s not right for us women. I don’t agree with that. Let’s not give up. We need women in public life, because I believe this world will be fairer, more peaceful and have more meaning,” she stressed. .
Nóvak’s resignation came after his return from a trip to Qatar and after thousands of people gathered on Friday to demand that he leave office. The scandal also implicates the then Minister of Justice Judit Varga, who endorsed the pardon.
For his part, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced on Thursday that he will promote an amendment to the Constitution to prevent a person convicted of pedophilia crimes from receiving a presidential pardon.
The deputy director of the orphanage was sentenced to three years and four months in prison for forcing one of the victims to sign a false statement and offering another victim money if she recanted her testimony. He had nine months left to serve when he received the pardon in May 2023 on the occasion of Pope Francis’ visit to Budapest.
The director of the orphanage, who received the Hungarian Bronze Cross of Merit from the authorities before being charged, was sentenced to eight years in prison after several failed attempts by the victims to open a court case against him. .
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