In Hungary, politics is mainly a man's game
BUDAPEST -- On May 14, 2022, thousands watched as Katalin Novak walked on the red carpet laid in front of the imposing building of the Hungarian parliament.
Hungary
May 13, 2022
Hungary’s first female President Katalin Novak takes office
Katalin Novak, the first female president of Hungary, took office here on Tuesday. Her predecessor, former head of state Janos Ader, greeted the new president at the entrance to the Sandor Palace, the residence of the Hungarian president.
![Newly elected Hungarian President Katalin Novak takes an oath during her inauguration ceremony at the plenary session of the Hungarian Parliament in Budapest [Zoltan Mathe/EPA]](/sites/default/files/styles/home_news_image/public/field/image/capture_decran_2022-03-14_a_09.57.00.png?itok=UcUu1zAr "Newly elected Hungarian President Katalin Novak takes an oath during her inauguration ceremony at the plenary session of the Hungarian Parliament in Budapest [Zoltan Mathe/EPA]")
March 14, 2022
Hungary elects Katalin Novak, first-ever female president
Katalin Novak, a close ally of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, portrays her election as a victory for women.
These women are challenging Hungary’s ‘men in suits’ politics
Anna Donáth spent her first night in police custody in December.
Her phone and bag were missing, and she worried no one knew where she was.
Report on the International Forum on Women's Political Empowerment
This report is based on the discussions held during the International Forum on Women’s Political Empowerment, held on 7 September 2017 in Budapest, Hungary.
Election
5062: Hungary, 04/12/2026, Hungarian National Assembly
| Quota Information | Parliament Information | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Are there legislated quotas? | No | Structure of parliament | Bicameral |
| For the Single/Lower House? | No | >Current members | 199 |
| Percentage of women | 14.07% | ||
| Source: Gender Quotas Database | Source: New Parline | ||
Note: this page was last updated on October 3, 2022.
Election for:
May 13, 2022
Hungary’s first female President Katalin Novak takes office
Katalin Novak, the first female president of Hungary, took office here on Tuesday. Her predecessor, former head of state Janos Ader, greeted the new president at the entrance to the Sandor Palace, the residence of the Hungarian president.
March 14, 2022
Hungary elects Katalin Novak, first-ever female president
Katalin Novak, a close ally of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, portrays her election as a victory for women.
March 26, 2014
Parties Debate Role Of Hungarian Women In Politics, Life
Women make up just 9 per cent of Hungarian members of parliament. In this regard Hungary ranks 122nd out of 140 countries. Upcoming parliamentary elections have sparked public discussion of the role of women in politics, family life, and in the country as a whole.
May 30, 2012
Hungary: US praises Roma MP's courage
Hungarian Roma MP Ágnes Osztolykán was among 10 women invited to Washington last week to pick up the State Department’s International Women of Courage Awards from US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
May 30, 2012
Hungary: Hungarian mothers may get extra votes for their children in elections
Latest controversial legislation from conservative Fidesz party since winning election on populist rightwing agenda.
May 30, 2012
Hungary: New Constitution poses grave threat to women’s sexual and reproductive rights
Yesterday, 18 April 2011, the Hungarian Parliament adopted a new Constitution. The new text and the process under which it has been developed and accepted has been widely criticised as grossly curtailing human rights and democratic values.
May 30, 2012
Hungary: Parties differ over creation of quotas for women in parliament
Representatives of the ruling coalition parties and opposition radical nationalist Jobbik opposed while the main opposition Socialists and green LMP supported the idea of setting a quota for women MPs in parliament at a debate held about women’s representation in public life on Wednesday.
March 26, 2014
Parties Debate Role Of Hungarian Women In Politics, Life
Women make up just 9 per cent of Hungarian members of parliament. In this regard Hungary ranks 122nd out of 140 countries. Upcoming parliamentary elections have sparked public discussion of the role of women in politics, family life, and in the country as a whole.
Violence against women in politics
Highlighting news, interviews, resources and events on violence against women in politics
May 30, 2012
Hungary: US praises Roma MP's courage
Hungarian Roma MP Ágnes Osztolykán was among 10 women invited to Washington last week to pick up the State Department’s International Women of Courage Awards from US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.