Hungarian chess legend Judit Polgar has declined the nomination to become Hungary’s next president, a day after Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced his intention to nominate her for the largely ceremonial role. Polgar thanked the government for its confidence but said she did not feel capable of taking on the responsibility of uniting a divided nation.

The nomination came as part of the new government’s broader political reforms following Peter Magyar’s election victory, which ended the 16-year rule of Viktor Orban’s Fidesz party. Hungary is also preparing to draft a new constitution, and parliament is expected to elect an interim president until the new constitutional framework takes effect.

Widely regarded as the greatest female chess player in history, Polgar is the only woman to have been ranked among the world’s top 10 players and the only female player to surpass the prestigious 2700 Elo rating. Her decision keeps the search for Hungary’s next president open as lawmakers move ahead with the country’s political transition.

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