Hungary Parliament Moves to Remove President Sulyok in Latest Anti-Orban Reform

Hungary’s parliament has approved a constitutional amendment that could end President Tamas Sulyok’s tenure, marking the latest effort by the new government to dismantle the influence of former Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s allies.

The amendment, passed on Monday with 139 lawmakers voting in favour and six against, would immediately terminate Sulyok’s presidency and allow parliament to choose a replacement.

The move follows the victory of Prime Minister Peter Magyar’s Tisza Party in April’s election, which ended Orban’s 16-year rule under the Fidesz party.

Magyar’s government has since launched reforms aimed at reshaping state institutions and reducing the previous administration’s influence.

The constitutional changes also introduce judicial reforms, establish a body to investigate alleged financial misconduct linked to the former government, and impose a 12-year limit on lawmakers’ terms.

Sulyok, who was elected president in February 2024 after serving as head of Hungary’s Constitutional Court, has five days to sign the amendment. Magyar has warned that parliament could begin impeachment proceedings if he refuses.

The president and Fidesz lawmakers boycotted Monday’s parliamentary session.

Although Hungary’s presidency is largely ceremonial, the office holds powers to approve legislation and send laws to the Constitutional Court, raising concerns that Sulyok could slow down the new government’s reform plans.

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