No loud gasps were heard when Fidesz nominated its MEP János Áder as the candidate to succeed President Pál Schmitt. Given Orbán’s insistence that the new president be a person of unfailing loyalty, the party had few experienced persons to choose from. Among the 3-4 names on the table, Áder must indeed have appeared as the best choice even though he spent his entire adult life in politics where he built a relatively undistinguished and recently declining career. Disappointing as the selection may be for those who had hoped that Fidesz would nominate someone universally respected, Áder’s even temper may serve as a welcome contrast to Fidesz’ heated style. Still, like Schmitt, he won’t be the person to put the brakes on Fidesz when the latter does something blatantly injurious to the rule of law. At best, he could become the successful quiet president that Orbán had intended Schmitt to be.

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