Hungarian President Katalin Novak has tendered her resignation following mounting pressure over her decision to pardon a man convicted as an accomplice in a sex abuse case involving a children’s home.

In a televised speech on Saturday, Novak acknowledged her mistake and announced her resignation, stating, “I made a mistake… Today is the last day that I address you as a president.”

Novak’s decision to grant a pardon in April 2023 to a man convicted of aiding in covering up a sex abuse case in a children’s home sparked public outrage and demands for her resignation. At least 1,000 people protested in the capital city, Budapest, on Friday, with opposition parties also calling for her departure from office.

Explaining her decision to grant the pardon, Novak stated that she believed the convict did not abuse the vulnerability of the children under his care. However, she admitted that the lack of reasoning behind the pardon raised doubts about the zero-tolerance policy towards paedophilia.

The pardoned individual, Endre K, had been sentenced in 2022 to three years and four months in prison and barred from activities involving minors for an additional five years. However, Novak’s pardon led to his release, allowing him, in theory, to return to his profession.

Novak’s resignation comes amidst intense scrutiny and criticism over her handling of the sex abuse case and the subsequent pardon, highlighting the importance of accountability and public trust in the highest offices of government.