The Hungarian Parliament has passed constitutional amendments to terminate the term of President Tamás Sulyok, a move Prime Minister Péter Magyar describes as the final step in dismantling the established constitutional order. According to parliamentary records, the measure passed with 139 votes in favor and six against, while members of Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party boycotted the vote.
Legislative Shift and Presidential Accountability
The newly passed amendments mandate that Tamás Sulyok’s presidential term must end immediately. Under the new rules, the Parliament is tasked with electing a successor to serve a maximum term of five years, or until a new national constitution is adopted. Prime Minister Péter Magyar, who assumed office in May following his party’s electoral victory, has publicly characterized Sulyok as an “illegitimate puppet” and demanded his resignation.
Sulyok, who was originally elected in 2024 with the backing of Fidesz, now faces a five-day window to either resign or sign the amendments into law. Magyar stated that there are no other options for the president. Should Sulyok refuse to sign the legislation, the country risks entering a constitutional crisis. In such an event, Magyar’s centrist-right “Tisa” party, which holds a two-thirds majority in Parliament, has pledged to initiate impeachment proceedings.
Did you know?
While the Hungarian president holds primarily representative powers, they retain the authority to veto legislation or refer bills to the Constitutional Court. However, the president lacks the constitutional power to block amendments to the country’s foundational law.
Long-term Political Constraints
The recent parliamentary action extends beyond the presidency. The amendments introduce a 12-year, or three-term, limit for all lawmakers. This change effectively bars several prominent opposition figures from seeking future parliamentary seats. This follows a previous legislative move in June, where Parliament capped the Prime Minister’s service at two four-year terms, a measure designed to prevent former leader Viktor Orbán from returning to the head of government.
He has explicitly promised that a entirely new constitution will be drafted and adopted to replace the framework left behind by the previous administration.
Comparison of Institutional Power
| Position | Term Limitation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Prime Minister | Max 2 terms (8 years) | Adopted June 2024 |
| Member of Parliament | Max 3 terms (12 years) | Adopted November 2024 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if the President refuses to sign the amendments?
Prime Minister Péter Magyar has stated that if President Sulyok fails to sign the amendments within five days, the “Tisa” party will launch an impeachment procedure in Parliament.
Can the President block these constitutional changes?
No. According to current parliamentary procedures, the president does not possess the legal authority to veto or block constitutional amendments.
What is the goal of the new term limits for lawmakers?
The 12-year limit aims to prevent long-term political entrenchment, effectively barring several established opposition figures from future candidacies.
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