Constitutional Amendments Underway in Hungary
Prime Minister Peter Magyar’s government is preparing constitutional amendments that would allow for the early removal of President Tamas Sulyok. This step became necessary after the president refused to resign voluntarily despite mounting pressure from the administration. Sulyok, who was elected during Viktor Orban’s tenure, intends to stay in office until 2029—a decision that has sparked outrage among the new leadership.
Magyar has confirmed that consultations with his parliamentary faction have already begun. He issued an ultimatum to the president, demanding that he step down by May 31. The prime minister stated:
“Tamas Sulyok has betrayed the Hungarian Republic. The institution of the presidency is more important and stronger than any individual president. It is in Hungary’s interest for this institution to regain the authority undermined by years of silence and inaction.”
Political Initiatives and Foreign Policy
Hungary’s current constitution does not allow for the president’s removal by a simple vote, prompting the government to push for changes to the fundamental law. The amendment process is expected to take about a month. During this transitional period, the Speaker of the National Assembly will serve as acting head of state. It is worth noting that Hungary’s president holds veto power and can refer legislative initiatives to the Constitutional Court.
On the foreign policy front, Hungary is insisting that Ukraine fully comply with all 11 points concerning the rights of the Hungarian national minority. Several rounds of technical consultations have already taken place between the two sides. Additionally, Hungary’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Russian ambassador following a massive strike on Transcarpathia on May 13. During a visit to Warsaw, Peter Magyar explicitly labeled Russia an aggressor and voiced support for Ukraine’s right to self-defense.
These developments show that the Hungarian government is actively pursuing changes that could significantly reshape the country’s political landscape, while also continuing to define its foreign policy in relation to Ukraine and Russia. Internal political matters are increasingly intersecting with Hungary’s international stance, potentially affecting regional stability. The political atmosphere in Hungary remains tense, and both domestic and international observers will be closely monitoring the government’s next moves.
As the government pushes for constitutional changes to facilitate the president's removal, it is also exploring broader reforms in governance. For instance, recent proposals aim to limit the prime minister's tenure to two terms, a move that could reshape Hungary's political landscape significantly. To understand the implications of these initiatives, you can read more about the proposed term limits for the prime minister here.