Tamás Sulyok

Hungarian President Signs Amendment to End Term Prematurely

Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok signed a constitutional amendment mandating the early termination of his presidential powers, though he publicly disagreed with the parliament’s action, deeming it an abuse of power and detrimental to the presidency’s role as a check and balance. This move is part of broader constitutional changes initiated by Prime Minister Péter Magyar, who ousted former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and secured a significant parliamentary majority. These changes include limiting prime ministerial terms, effectively barring Orbán’s return, and dismantling institutions established by the previous government, such as the Sovereignty Protection Office, while also reclaiming state assets previously transferred to public-interest foundations.

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Hungary President Agrees to Stand Down After Term-Ending Law Change

Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok has agreed to step down following the signing of a constitutional amendment that immediately ends his term, citing a “serious loss of confidence.” While Sulyok stated he respected the letter of the law, he warned the reform harms the rule of law in Hungary and sets a damaging precedent. This legislation, part of Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s efforts to dismantle former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s power bases, also includes term limits for lawmakers and a retirement age for constitutional court judges, forcing the departure of Orbán allies. Magyar expressed that these changes restore the certainty that power can be constrained and the state can serve its citizens.

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