Controversial Appointment and Dismissal of Judge András Baka Highlight Judicial Politics
András Baka's term at the European Court of Human Rights ended, and his nomination for chief justice was rejected, leading to a political showdown that eventually resulted in his appointment as a senior judge.
András Baka completed his term at the European Court of Human Rights, and with the former Supreme Court president's term also ending, Sólyom László put forward Baka as a candidate for chief justice. The judicial body rejected his nomination, and the National Judicial Council did not back him, sparking a year-long conflict. Sólyom communicated to the Fidesz president that he would step down if the nominee was not approved, a stance that could have allowed the opposition-led parliament to influence the presidential selection.
Despite the controversy, Baka secured a senior judgeship, but was later stripped of that position in a restructuring, though he continued to serve as a high-remuneration councilor at the Court of Cassation. The European Court of Human Rights later deemed the termination of his mandate unlawful and ordered compensation, while the previous government allegedly paid Baka to retain his advisory role.
