Hungary Proceeds with Political Reforms

In a significant political move, Hungary’s Parliament voted to approve a constitutional amendment that aims to remove President Tamás Sulyok from office. The amendment also seeks to implement political reforms to dismantle elements of the previous regime led by former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

Following a decisive electoral victory in April, Prime Minister Péter Magyar and his center-right Tisza party, pro-European in stance, have used their two-thirds parliamentary majority to initiate these changes. They claim these reforms will restore democratic governance. During the vote, the amendment was supported by 139 members, while only six opposed it. Members of Orbán’s far-right Fidesz party did not attend the session.

President Sulyok has a period of five days to sign the amendment for it to become law. However, he has not yet indicated his decision. The Tisza party has stated they will pursue impeachment if he refuses. Magyar argues that Sulyok did not oppose undemocratic policies of the previous administration, which prompted the push for his removal. This was a point repeatedly addressed during Magyar’s campaign, framing the electoral triumph as voter approval for such measures.

With this vote today, we have closed an era, said Magyar. We asked for and received a completely clear mandate from the Hungarian people to do this.

The amendment would mean Parliament elects a new president. It introduces judicial reforms and establishes an office to investigate past financial misconducts under Orbán’s government. It also implements a 12-year term limit on elected officials.

Fidesz party members argue the amendment undermines Hungary’s democratic framework. Recently, they held a protest attracting around 3,000 participants. Orbán himself was not present and is currently traveling to the United States.

Supporters of the new reforms express concern that Sulyok could disrupt the government’s plans as president, given his power to block legislation or refer it to the Constitutional Court.

Since taking control in May, Magyar’s administration has acted swiftly to dismantle what he terms as Orbán’s ‘mafia.’ This includes eliminating many government appointees and terminating services of institutions used to sustain the previous authoritarian governance. Legislative changes have included stopping public media operations accused of spreading propaganda and closing the Sovereignty Protection Office known for silencing media criticism.

Before the vote, Gergely Gulyás, Fidesz’s caucus leader, announced his resignation. The new amendment’s term limits would affect his eligibility for future elections. Fidesz called for a vigil to oppose what they describe as government overreach.