Hungary’s Constitutional Amendment
Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok has signed a constitutional amendment that restricts prime ministers to two terms in office, effectively preventing Viktor Orbán from ever returning to power. This measure was a key campaign promise by Prime Minister Péter Magyar. Known as the lex Orbán, the amendment was approved by Hungary’s parliament on Monday.
Under the new rules, no individual can serve as prime minister for more than eight years. Viktor Orbán, who has led Hungary’s government for roughly 20 years in total, will be barred from holding the position again. The new restrictions also apply to current Prime Minister Péter Magyar.
Tensions Between the President and Government
Relations between President Sulyok and the government remain strained. The president chose not to refer the legislation to the Constitutional Court for further review, despite Magyar’s efforts to push for Sulyok’s early resignation. Sulyok refused to step down, warning of a potential constitutional crisis.
Tamás Sulyok: 'The situation in Hungary is practically unique, both in Europe and around the world.'
Hungarian media have dubbed the new law lex Orbán, underscoring its significance in the country’s political landscape. Meanwhile, Péter Magyar has accused the president of being a 'puppet,' highlighting deep conflicts between the president and the government.
These developments unfold against the backdrop of other political processes, including an EU summit where Budapest insisted on removing a clause from the final statement about accelerating Ukraine’s EU accession, altering the document’s wording on the matter.
This amendment marks a major shift in Hungary’s political landscape, as it not only limits prime ministerial terms but could also significantly alter power dynamics in the country. Amid tense relations between the president and the government, and within the broader context of European political developments, such changes may have far-reaching implications for Hungary’s political stability.
The recent constitutional amendments in Hungary have sparked significant political shifts, particularly in relation to the presidency. This development comes alongside ongoing debates about the balance of power within the government. For a deeper understanding of these dynamics and the implications for President Sulyok, you can read more about Hungary's efforts to revise its constitution regarding presidential power.