Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok has signed a constitutional amendment, pushed by Prime Minister Peter Magyar, which immediately ends his term in office. This pivotal move is part of Magyar’s aggressive campaign to dismantle the power structures established by former Prime Minister Viktor Orban, following a decisive election victory in April. Sulyok reluctantly approved the legislation, warning of the damage inflicted on Hungary’s rule of law and constitutional democracy.
In a dramatic shift of power, Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok has reluctantly signed a constitutional amendment, effectively ending his own term as head of state. The controversial legislation, championed by Prime Minister Peter Magyar's ruling Tisza party, marks a significant blow to the political legacy of former Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
The amendment, which Sulyok stated he had no choice but to rubber-stamp, cites a "serious loss of confidence" in a leader who was elected by lawmakers from Orban's nationalist Fidesz party in early 2024. Despite his compliance, Sulyok, a former Constitutional Court judge, issued a stark warning, asserting that the reform severely compromises Hungary's rule of law.
"The seventeenth amendment to the Constitution has marked a watershed in Hungary's constitutional democracy," Sulyok declared. He further criticized the reform for "removing public office holders in a manner that openly violates the rule of law," warning it "sets a negative precedent that inflicts a deep wound on the constitutional values of democracy, the separation of powers, and the rule of law."
This legislative maneuver is a key part of Magyar's ambitious agenda to dismantle what he describes as Orban's long-standing "bastions of power." Magyar, who led the Tisza party to a landslide victory in April's election, claims a strong mandate from voters to reshape the nation's political landscape.
Former Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whose 16-year tenure was often criticized for weakening democratic institutions, swiftly condemned the reforms on social media. "Tyranny is no longer a threat but reality. If this could be done to the President, tomorrow, no one will be safe," Orban posted on Facebook. His Fidesz party has been grappling with a wave of high-profile resignations and dwindling public support since its electoral defeat.
Parliament to Install Interim President Amid Sweeping Reforms
With President Sulyok's term now concluded, the Hungarian Parliament, where Magyar's center-right Tisza party holds a commanding two-thirds majority, is set to elect a new president. This interim appointment will last until a new constitution is enacted, or for a maximum period of five years.
As the deadline for Sulyok's decision loomed, Prime Minister Magyar shared a relaxed image of himself enjoying coffee, hinting at the impending political shift. Following Sulyok's signature on the amendment, Magyar confirmed that Parliament Speaker Agnes Forsthoffer would assume the role of interim president starting Monday.
"With these decisions, we are restoring something that the Orban regime spent many years trying to take away from the Hungarian people," Magyar announced in a Facebook post. He emphasized his commitment to restoring governmental accountability, stating, "The certainty that power can be constrained, that public assets can be recovered, and that the state can once again serve its citizens, free Hungarian citizens."
Beyond the presidential ouster, the amendment introduces other significant changes, including a 12-year term limit for lawmakers and a mandatory retirement age of 70 for Constitutional Court judges. This latter provision will notably force the retirement of the court's current president, Peter Polt, a close ally of former Prime Minister Orban.
Since his electoral triumph in April, Magyar has been a vocal critic of Sulyok, accusing him of failing to represent national unity and instead serving the interests of Orban and his administration. This latest move solidifies Magyar's intent to fundamentally redefine Hungary's political future.
