Former judge removed by Orbán elected Hungarian president

Hungary's parliament has elected András Baka, 73, a respected judge and former head of the Supreme Court, as head of state.

The Hungarian president is a largely figurehead role, but Baka's rule promises to be tempestuous.

His task will be to monitor Prime Minister Péter Magyar's efforts to dismantle the interlocking economic and political powerhouse established by former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. He will also oversee the writing of a new constitution, to replace Orbán's constitution of 2011.

"We cannot build the new Hungary on revenge," András Baka told Parliament, after he was elected by 140 votes to 6.

"The majority of society now feels a sense of liberation and hope. Others feel disappointment and uncertainty," he said. "In a democratic society, this is not an anomaly, but a natural state of affairs."

All 51 MPs belonging to Orbán's party Fidesz walked out of the chamber before the vote, in protest against the ousting of their favourite, Tamás Sulyok, from the post last month .

In his speech, András Baka promised the broadest possible debate on the creation of a new constitution.

Since taking office in early May, the new Magyar government has lost no time attacking Orbán's legacy.