Hungary’s recently appointed prime minister asserts that he is fulfilling the desires of the populace by taking decisive steps to remove allies of his predecessor. The country’s parliament has endorsed a constitutional adjustment allowing the government to dismiss President Tamas Sulyok, whom Prime Minister Péter Magyar has labeled a mere “puppet” of former leader Viktor Orbán. This move is part of a comprehensive reform initiative aimed at dismantling the political structure established by Orbán and eliminating his associates from influential roles.
Critics, including some human rights advocates, have accused Magyar of disregarding due process and the rule of law in his haste to usher in a new era post-Orbán. Nonetheless, others argue that the current circumstances necessitate resolute actions. András Baka, former head of Hungary’s Supreme Court, expressed support for the ongoing transition, emphasizing the need for extraordinary measures to restore the rule-of-law state.
Although the role of the president in Hungary is largely ceremonial, it holds significant powers such as approving legislation and referring bills to the Constitutional Court for assessment. Magyar has voiced concerns that Sulyok, an appointee of Orbán, might obstruct the ruling party’s agenda to steer the nation away from the previous government’s far-right and anti-Europe stance. Despite repeated calls for resignation, Sulyok, maintaining a non-political stance, has refused to step down.
Following a sweeping electoral triumph in April, Magyar’s Tisza party now commands a two-thirds majority in Parliament, enabling swift constitutional modifications to reverse many of Orbán’s policies. The latest revision, the 17th amendment, was endorsed with a significant majority in Parliament, with Orbán’s Fidesz party lawmakers opting to boycott the session in protest.
The amendment not only targets Sulyok but also establishes an investigative body to probe financial irregularities during the Orbán administration, introduces term limits for lawmakers, and mandates retirement at age 70 for Constitutional Court judges. Human Rights Watch has criticized the rushed nature of these changes, emphasizing the importance of upholding due process and fairness in a state committed to the rule of law.
As the situation unfolds, Sulyok must sign the amendment within five days for it to become law. In the event of non-compliance, Tisza has pledged to initiate impeachment proceedings. Despite supporting Sulyok’s removal, Baka has raised concerns about the potential implications of the amendment’s term limits on voters’ rights and the balance of power between the ruling party and the opposition. He underscores the need for vigilance to prevent the abuse of power and remains cautiously optimistic about Hungary’s trajectory.
