Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar has declared that parliament will elect a new president by August 20, the national holiday commemorating St. Stephen, the country’s first king and founder. The current president, Tamas Sulyok, is set to be removed through a constitutional amendment, and Magyar stressed that speed is in the national interest.
Magyar noted that the Hungarian constitution requires parliament to choose a new head of state within 30 days of the previous president’s mandate expiring. He suggested that the mandate could lapse at the end of July or early August, but argued there is no need to wait the full period.
– It is in the country’s interest to do this as quickly as possible – said Peter Magyar, the Hungarian prime minister.
Constitutional path to removal
The prime minister announced on Monday that his cabinet would initiate proceedings to remove President Tamas Sulyok via a constitutional amendment, with a broader constitutional reform planned for autumn. Magyar has repeatedly called for Sulyok’s resignation, along with those of the heads of the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court, labelling them “Orbán’s puppets.” The deadline he set for voluntary resignations expired on May 31.
President Sulyok, elected by deputies of Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party, rejected the calls and warned that efforts to oust him threaten the rule of law and constitutional order in Hungary. His term was originally set to run until March 2029. Under Hungarian law, a president can be removed for violating the constitution, deliberately breaching official duties, or committing a common crime.
– This could happen at the end of July or early August. There is no need to wait the full 30 days, and on the contrary, it is in the country’s interest to do it as quickly as possible – Magyar stated.
Political shift and new constitution plans
Magyar’s Tisza party holds a constitutional majority in the Hungarian parliament, commanding 141 of the 199 seats. This majority enables the government to amend the constitution and push through Sulyok’s dismissal without needing opposition support.
The prime minister also outlined plans for a referendum on an entirely new constitution, which could take place as early as next summer. He emphasized that the timeline is less important than ensuring the document’s quality and inclusiveness.
– It may take longer, but time is not the issue. Quality and content matter. We want the country to have a constitution that everyone can accept in good faith – Magyar explained.
The move comes after a period of intense political turbulence in Hungary, with Magyar’s government consolidating power following the parliamentary decision that effectively barred Viktor Orbán from ever returning as prime minister.
Źródło: Polsat News, Fot. Polsat News
