Chess legend Judith Polgar, a potential candidate for the Hungarian presidency

Prime Minister Peter Madyar announced yesterday that he is going to ask Grandmaster Judith Polgar, a Guinness record holder, to temporarily assume the position of the next president of Hungary until a new constitution is adopted in the country. The position is largely ceremonial and has been vacant since last week’s changes in parliament, which removed President Tamas Sulyok, who is considered to be close to former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

“Our country needs unity, peace and a president that all Hungarians can be proud of,” Madyar wrote on Facebook on Sunday evening, adding that he will meet with Polgar today to get his consent.

Polgar, who turns 50 this week, was the top-ranked female chess player for 25 years before retiring in 2014. He recorded significant victories against several world champions, including Garry Kasparov. Until now, Polgar has not publicly commented on the offer to become the president.