Hungary elects Katalin Novak, first-ever female president

The Hungarian parliament has elected Katalin Novak, a close ally of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, as the EU members first-ever female president.

Novak, who most recently served as a minister for family policy, portrayed her election on Thursday as a victory for Women.

She was elected to the mostly ceremonial role by 137 votes to 51 in the parliament dominated by Orbans right-wing Fidesz party ahead of opposition challenger Peter Rona, an economist.