Hungary elects Katalin Novak, first-ever female president
Al JazeeraSEP 2021
Hungary's President Resigns Over Sex Abuse Pardon Scandal
The Spin
Narrative A
Novak is an outspoken champion of family values and would never pardon crimes committed against children. However, it's clear she made a mistake in freeing a pedophile in the belief that the convict didn't abuse the vulnerability of the children entrusted to him. The president must be applauded for making a responsible decision.
Narrative B
Even if Novak's role was essentially ceremonial, she could have been vigilant before granting a pardon to a man implicated in a child sexual abuse case. However, it's evident that the close ally of Hungary's authoritarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, is made a scapegoat to calm national anger. No important decisions are taken in the country without the conservative leader's approval.