In a significant political shift, the Hungarian parliament has taken decisive action against the remnants of former Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s administration by passing a constitutional amendment to remove President Tamas Sulyok. The recent changes reflect the desire of the newly elected Prime Minister Peter Magyar and his Tisza Party to redefine Hungary’s political landscape following their landslide victory, marking a departure from Orban’s long-standing influence.
Hungary’s parliament has approved a constitutional amendment aimed at removing President Tamas Sulyok from his largely ceremonial position, further dismantling the influence of former Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s administration. This significant measure was passed on Monday with an overwhelming majority of 139 votes in favor and just six against, signaling a decisive shift in Hungary’s political landscape. The amendment will result in the immediate termination of Sulyok’s term, allowing parliament to elect a new president shortly thereafter.
The political upheaval comes in the wake of the Hungarian elections held in April, where voters decisively removed the right-wing nationalistic Orban from power after 16 years. The Tisza Party, led by the newly appointed Prime Minister Peter Magyar, emerged victorious, indicating a strong demand for change among the populace. Since his election, Magyar has been intent on diminishing the influence of Orban’s Fidesz Party, which dominated many facets of Hungarian life during its lengthy rule.
In addition to removing Sulyok, the constitutional amendment outlines a series of judicial reforms, establishes an investigative body for alleged financial abuses linked to the previous government, and introduces a 12-year term limit for lawmakers. These reforms reflect the commitment of the new government to enhance accountability and restore public trust in governmental institutions.
Sulyok has been given five days to sign this amendment into law. If he does not comply, Magyar has indicated that parliament will initiate impeachment proceedings against him. On the day of the vote, Sulyok and other members of Fidesz boycotted the parliamentary session, signaling their discontent with the current political order.
Elected in February 2024 as a successor to Katalin Novak, who resigned after controversial pardoning decisions, Sulyok’s presidency had already become contentious. Following Magyar’s election victory, he had been labeled “unworthy to embody the unity of the Hungarian nation,” leading to calls for his resignation. After the deadline for voluntary resignation passed, Magyar characterized Sulyok as a “puppet” of Orban and promised to remove him and other political holdovers through constitutional means.
Despite being a largely symbolic role, the presidency in Hungary holds the authority to approve laws and can refer matters to the Constitutional Court for review. This power has raised concerns that Sulyok could use his position to obstruct the sweeping reforms proposed by the Tisza Party, which has launched a campaign known as “Operation Cleansing Fire.” This initiative aims to establish a new constitution, purge the state apparatus of Orban’s allies, and create an anti-corruption office, emphasizing the new government’s commitment to systemic change.
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