Katalin Novak – first female president of Hungary

The Hungarian parliament has elected Katalin Novak, the minister of family, youth and international relations, as the country's new president, becoming the first woman to hold the post.

At a session of the Hungarian National Assembly on Thursday, Prime Minister Viktor Orban elected Katalin Novak, deputy chairman of the ruling party led by Fides, Minister of Family, Youth and International Relations, as the country’s new president. 137 out of 199 deputies voted for her.

Novak, 44, was challenged in the election by Peter Rona, an 80-year-old economist and candidate from the opposition coalition.

The President of the Republic is elected by the National Assembly for a term of five years. Janos Ader has held the post twice since 2012.