Hungary’s President Steps Down After Parliament Approves Constitutional Amendment

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.