President Tamás Sulyok has signed the 17th amendment to Hungary’s Fundamental Law, which will end his presidential term the day after its publication. Sulyok stated that his decision stems from a deep respect for law, acknowledging that the amendment, despite his constitutional concerns, was passed through a lawful parliamentary procedure, leaving him with no legal recourse to challenge it. He believes this action diminishes the presidency’s role as a check and balance, signaling a shift away from the democratic rule of law. The amendment also includes provisions such as a 12-year term limit for Members of Parliament and the reinstatement of the retirement age for Constitutional Court judges, while Sulyok’s departure prompts the need for a new presidential election within thirty days.
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While planning for Donald Trump’s upcoming state visit to the UK is underway, there has been no formal request for him to address Parliament, unlike President Macron’s recent visit. Concerns have been raised by some MPs regarding Trump’s past comments and stances, with one MP explicitly requesting the Speaker to prevent him from addressing Parliament. The timing of the visit in September, coinciding with a parliamentary recess, might offer a diplomatic solution to avoid potential controversy. Although no formal address is guaranteed, such decisions are part of the planning process, and Trump’s first state visit in 2019 did not include one.
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Elon Musk urged King Charles to dissolve Parliament and call for a new general election, citing concerns over the British government’s handling of past “grooming gangs” cases. Musk accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer of complicity and called for the resignation of a minister, claims British officials deem factually inaccurate. This intervention marks Musk’s latest foray into international politics, aligning him with far-right figures in the UK and elsewhere. King Charles possesses the power to dissolve Parliament, though historically acts upon the Prime Minister’s request. The controversy highlights a clash between Musk’s assertions and the official British government response.
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John Q. Hosedrinker