Hungary first chooses a woman for president

Novak, who recently served as minister of family policy, portrayed her election to president as a victory for women.

She was elected to this largely ceremonial position, with 137 votes for and 51 against parliament dominated by Prime Minister Viktor Orban's right-wing party.

We women grow children, care for the sick, cook, do the work of two people if necessary, earn money, learn, win Nobel Prizes, clean the windows”, Novak said during the speech before being voted.

“We know the power of words, but we can silence and hear if we should, and protect our families”, the 44-year-old said.

Earlier she posted a photo of her husband and three children on social networks, saying that “for me means a lot that my family is here with me”. / REL