Hungary's Parliament on Monday passed a constitutional amendment aimed at removing President Tamás Sulyok, a move by the country's new leadership to dismantle the autocratic political system established under former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The amendment, which aims to "restore rule-of-law democracy," passed with 139 votes in favor and six against.
Prime Minister Péter Magyar and his pro-European Tisza party secured a two-thirds majority in Parliament following their landslide victory in April's election. This majority enables them to enact constitutional changes and reverse many policies implemented by Orbán during his 16-year tenure.
Magyar has stated that Sulyok did not uphold his presidential duties by failing to impede antidemocratic actions taken by Orbán's government. Removing Sulyok was a campaign promise, and Magyar views the party's electoral success as a mandate to fulfill it.
In contrast, Fidesz, Orbán's far-right party, has labeled the amendment an "unprecedented" attack on Hungary's democratic order. Fidesz lawmakers boycotted the parliamentary session where the vote took place. Orbán himself posted on Facebook a photo of Magyar with the caption "Democratic Hungary: 1990-2026," referencing the period since Hungary's transition from state socialism. Orbán was reportedly traveling to the United States on Monday to attend World Cup matches.
Though largely a ceremonial position, the Hungarian president is responsible for signing legislation and can send bills to the Constitutional Court for review. Concerns have been raised by supporters of the new government that Sulyok, an Orbán appointee, might use this power to obstruct their agenda.
Since taking office in May, Magyar's government has moved quickly to remove numerous political appointees and heads of institutions perceived as having enabled Orbán's administration. These actions include suspending the news service of Hungary's public television and radio, which Magyar described as a "propaganda factory" for Orbán's party, and closing Hungary's Sovereignty Protection Office, which critics viewed as a tool to intimidate opponents and suppress independent media.
Prior to the vote, Fidesz caucus leader Gergely Gulyás asserted that the amendment "breaks up the legal system, undermines the rule of law and restricts democracy." Gulyás also announced his resignation as caucus leader, as new 12-year term limits for lawmakers, also included in the amendment, would prevent him from serving in Parliament in the next national election.
Sulyok has five days to sign the amendment into law. If he declines, Tisza has indicated it will initiate impeachment proceedings. Should Sulyok be removed, Parliament will elect a new president to serve until the government's broader constitutional reforms are enacted in the autumn, or for a maximum of five years.
The amendment also introduces reforms to the judiciary and establishes a new authority tasked with investigating alleged financial misconduct by Orbán's previous government. Fidesz supporters planned a candlelight vigil outside the parliament building on Monday evening to protest what they termed the "tyranny" of Magyar's government.