President of Hungary Resigns Amid Allegations That He Plagiarized Doctoral Thesis

Pál Schmitt, the president of Hungary, resigned Monday, saying the controversy over allegations that he plagiarized his doctoral dissertation was dividing the nation, reports the Associated Press. Mr. Schmitt, who serves in a largely ceremonial role, was elected in 2010 for a five-year term. Last week the senate of Semmelweis University in Hungary revoked his doctorate after a panel of academic experts said that large parts of his thesis were copied. On Sunday, the rector of Semmelweis announced his resignation, saying he wanted to to ensure “peace at the university” and that his departure did not mean he disagreed with the senate’s decision.

Hungary’s governing Fidesz Party said it plans to hold a vote in Parliament soon to choose Mr. Schmitt’s successor as soon as possible.