Proposed Constitutional Amendments by the Tisza Party
The Tisza Party has introduced a proposal to amend Hungary's Constitution, aiming to limit the prime minister's tenure to two terms, abolish the Sovereignty Protection Office, and revise regulations concerning asset management funds. Dubbed the 'Sixteenth Amendment to the Fundamental Law of Hungary,' the initiative was submitted by lawmakers Márton Melletey-Barna and István Hantosi.
Key Provisions of the Proposal
Under the new rules, an individual would be barred from becoming prime minister if they have already held the office for at least eight years, with all terms served after May 2, 1990, counting toward that limit. Currently, Hungary imposes no term restrictions on the prime minister, and this change could significantly reshape the political landscape, especially given that Viktor Orbán has led the government for decades.
The amendment also seeks to create a constitutional basis for dismantling the Sovereignty Protection Office, established in 2023. This would be achieved by removing from the Fundamental Law the section on protecting constitutional identity and Christian culture. Additionally, provisions introduced by the Fidesz party in 2020 regarding public interest asset management funds could be altered under the new amendment.
Passing the amendment requires a two-thirds constitutional majority, equivalent to 133 out of 199 parliamentary seats. Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar has called on President Tamás Sulyok to resign, setting a deadline of May 31. Magyar accused Sulyok of undermining democratic institutions and mistreating children in state facilities.
'The president cannot represent Hungarians' — Péter Magyar.
If adopted, the Tisza Party's initiative could mark a pivotal step in reforming Hungary's political system and fostering new approaches to state governance. It may curtail the influence of current political leaders and encourage greater political competition. The push for President Sulyok's resignation further underscores tensions in the political environment and could drive additional changes in the country's leadership.
As political dynamics in Hungary shift, the recent actions of Prime Minister Péter Magyar, including his decision to forgo the official residence and opt for a more personal mode of transportation, signal a potential departure from established norms. This move comes amid proposed constitutional amendments that could redefine the limits of leadership in the country.