The Hungarian parliament passed a constitutional amendment on July 14, 2026, to remove President Tamas Sulyok from office. The measure, approved by 139 votes to six, allows Prime Minister Peter Magyar’s Tisza Party to replace the former chief of the Constitutional Court of Hungary and dismantle remaining influence from the administration of ex-Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
Tisza Party targets President Sulyok to secure reform agenda
Prime Minister Peter Magyar is moving to eliminate potential legislative bottlenecks by removing President Tamas Sulyok. While the presidency is largely ceremonial, it holds the power to refer laws to the Constitutional Court for review. This amendment immediately ends Sulyok’s term to prevent him from stymying the new government’s legislative goals.
Magyar previously described Sulyok as a “puppet” of Viktor Orban and stated the president was “unworthy to embody the unity of the Hungarian nation.” The move follows a landslide victory for the centre-right Tisza Party in April, which ended 16 years of power for Orban’s Fidesz party.
Did you know? Tamas Sulyok was elected in February 2024 to replace Katalin Novak, who resigned after pardoning a man convicted of covering up child sexual abuse.
Operation Cleansing Fire: Purging the Fidesz legacy
The removal of the president is a centerpiece of a broader reform program called “Operation Cleansing Fire.” This initiative seeks to purge state institutions and install a new constitution. The program includes the establishment of an anticorruption office to investigate alleged financial abuses from the previous government.
Beyond the presidency, the parliament’s latest constitutional changes introduce:
- A 12-year term limit for lawmakers.
- A series of judicial reforms.
- The creation of a body to probe alleged financial abuses under the previous government.
Constitutional standoff and impeachment threats
The transition of power remains tense. Sulyok and other members of Fidesz boycotted the July 14 parliamentary session. Sulyok has five days to sign the constitutional amendment that removes him from power.
Prime Minister Magyar has already set the stakes for a refusal. He stated that parliament will launch an impeachment procedure against Sulyok if the president fails to sign the amendment within the designated window.
Pro Tip: When tracking political transitions in EU member states, watch the “ceremonial” roles. While they lack day-to-day executive power, their ability to veto or delay legislation often makes them the final battleground for opposing political factions.
Comparison: The Shift from Fidesz to Tisza
| Feature | Fidesz Era (Orban) | Tisza Era (Magyar) |
|---|---|---|
| Parliamentary Control | 16 years of power | Two-thirds parliamentary super-majority |
| Institutional Strategy | “Operation Cleansing Fire” | |
| Lawmaker Terms | 12-year term limit imposed |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is President Sulyok being removed?
Prime Minister Peter Magyar views Sulyok as a holdover from the Viktor Orban administration and a potential obstacle to the Tisza Party’s reform agenda.
What is “Operation Cleansing Fire”?
It is a reform program designed to install a new constitution, purge state institutions and establish an anticorruption office.
What happens if Sulyok refuses to sign the amendment?
According to Prime Minister Magyar, the parliament will initiate an impeachment procedure to remove him from office.
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