Hungary’s opposition Fidesz party is set to protest after Prime Minister Peter Magyar introduced a constitutional amendment to remove President Tamas Sulyok. Magyar, who won the April elections, has been pushing for Sulyok’s removal, calling him “Orban’s puppet.”
The amendment proposed by Magyar specifies that the current President’s term will end upon the amendment’s enactment. With a parliamentary supermajority, the ruling Tisza Party is likely to pass the amendment. Reports suggest the vote may occur as early as next week, though it is not yet confirmed officially.
Following the constitutional changes, four judges will be forced to retire at 70 years old, and parliamentary deputies’ terms will be limited to 12 years. President Sulyok has refused to step down, denouncing Magyar’s actions as a threat to democracy.
Sulyok criticized the move, questioning whether it would undermine the rule of law and representative democracy. Fidesz argues that removing Sulyok could lead to tyranny and has called for a protest in support of the President. The opposition contends that Sulyok’s election followed Hungary’s constitution and deems his removal as personalized legislation.
Prime Minister Orban accused the Tisza Party of overstepping moral and legal boundaries, claiming that Hungarian voters did not endorse such actions. Magyar, during his campaign, pledged to oust President Sulyok, alleging that Sulyok failed in his constitutional duties and neglected opposition supporters during Orban’s tenure.
In June, Magyar accused Sulyok of abandoning the Hungarian people, emphasizing the importance of restoring the presidency’s authority. He highlighted the need for the presidency to regain its influence, which he believes has been weakened by past inactions and decisions.
