In brief
Tamás Sulyok signed an amendment ending his presidency, effective midnight Sunday, after a swift parliamentary vote by the Tisza faction. The amendment strips the president, Constitutional Court head, and judges over 70 of their positions, and bars parliament members with three terms from re‑election—over half the current Fidesz cohort. Sulyok accused the move of violating the rule of law, while former prime minister Viktor Orbán labeled it tyranny and called for protests. The change comes after Orbán’s ruling party lost power in April, and reflects a broader series of constitutional reforms under the new majority. The move raises concerns about the erosion of democratic checks and balances, with European observers closely monitoring the implications for Hungary’s governance.
Tamás Sulyok signed an amendment to the Hungarian constitution that will end his presidency at midnight on Sunday, following a swift parliamentary vote led by Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s Tisza party.
The amendment removes Sulyok, the head of the Constitutional Court, and judges over the age of 70 from office. It also bars members of parliament who have served three terms—from the current Fidesz cohort, more than half of whom will be barred—effectively reshaping the political landscape.
Sulyok set a five‑day deadline to sign the amendment before risk of a constitutional crisis. He complied as the deadline closed but condemned the government’s actions, saying they violated the rule of law.
Former prime minister Viktor Orbán—whose 16‑year tenure ended in April—labelled the amendment an act of tyranny and called for nationwide protests. Orbán’s party remains in opposition, and he has not taken his seat in parliament since the election.
The move follows a series of constitutional changes enacted by the new majority, including limits on the powers of the Constitutional Court and on the tenure of deputies. Analysts warn the changes could erode democratic checks and potentially shift Hungary further from European Union norms.
