Hungary President Tamas Sulyok Removed After Constitutional Amendment Signed

Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok has signed a constitutional amendment that immediately ends his term in office, formalizing a major political overhaul led by Prime Minister Peter Magyar and his ruling Tisza party. The move marks another step in Magyar’s campaign to dismantle institutions established during former Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s 16-year rule.

The constitutional amendment, approved by Hungary’s parliament, cites a “serious loss of confidence” in Sulyok, who was elected president in early 2024 with support from Orban’s nationalist Fidesz party. Although Sulyok approved the legislation, he said he did so because it complied with the legal process, while warning that the measure undermines Hungary’s constitutional democracy and the rule of law.

In a public statement, the former Constitutional Court judge described the amendment as a turning point for the country, arguing that removing public officials in this manner creates a dangerous precedent. He said the decision weakens democratic values, including the separation of powers and constitutional safeguards.

Former Prime Minister Viktor Orban also condemned the reform, claiming it demonstrated that political power could now be used against anyone. His comments come as Fidesz continues to struggle following its decisive election defeat in April, which ended the party’s long hold on power.

Under the amendment, Parliament Speaker Agnes Forsthoffer will serve as Hungary’s interim president beginning Monday until lawmakers elect a new head of state or until a new constitution comes into force. Parliament, where the Tisza party holds a two-thirds majority, has the authority to appoint a replacement.

The constitutional changes also introduce a 12-year term limit for lawmakers and establish a mandatory retirement age of 70 for Constitutional Court judges. The rule will require Constitutional Court President Peter Polt, a longtime Orban ally, to step down.

Since taking office, Magyar has repeatedly urged Sulyok to resign, accusing him of failing to act as a neutral head of state and instead serving the interests of Orban’s former government. Magyar said the reforms are intended to restore democratic accountability, recover public assets, and ensure the Hungarian state serves its citizens rather than entrenched political interests.