Hungary parliament Thursday elected Katalin Novak, a close ally of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, as a member of the European Union first-never female president.
Novak, who more recently served as minister for family policypresented son election as a victory for women.
She was elected at most ceremonies role by 137 votes at 51 in the parliament dominated by Orban’s right-wing Fidesz party before of opposition challenger Peter Rona, an economist.
“We women rear childrencare for the sick, cook, are in two places at the same time if necessary, earn moneyteach, win Nobel Prize, Clean windows”, said Novak in a speech before the vote.
“We know the power of words, but can shut up and listen if we have to, and stand up for our families with courage beyond of man it’s so danger menace“, said the 44-year-old, the youngest in Hungary head of State.
“It’s because I’m a woman and not despite of it’s that I want be a good President of Hungary,” she said.
Earlier she posted a photo of she she husband and his three children on social media saying that “it means a lot to me that my family is here with me.”
Novak was the face of government policies that include generous tax breaks and subsidies designed to encourage young families to have more children.
Thursday vote comes weeks to come of a close parliamentary election on On April 3, where Orban made face at a steep battle for win a fourth in a row term in power since 2010.
Pierre Marki-Zay, who lead a six-party the opposition hopes to overthrow Orban next months, accused Novak of to be “unfit” for the presidential post because of his partisan background.
Novak will succeed Janos Ader, co-founder of Orban’s right-wing Fidesz in power party who has held the position since 2012. She will take office after that of Ader term expires May 10.
