Hungary Parliament Votes to Oust President Tamás Sulyok Amid Political Turmoil

The Hungarian parliament voted on July 13, 2026, to remove President Tamás Sulyok from office, a decision driven by the ruling Tisza party's two-thirds majority. This amendment marks a significant shift in the political landscape following the party's unexpected victory over Viktor Orbán's Fidesz party earlier this year.

Political Context of the Vote

The vote to oust Sulyok is viewed as a culmination of tensions that have escalated since the April 12 elections, which resulted in a landslide win for Prime Minister Péter Magyar. Sulyok, seen as a loyalist to Orbán, now faces a critical decision: sign the amendment or refer it to the Constitutional Court.

If he opts for the court, Magyar has threatened impeachment proceedings, which would lead to Sulyok's automatic suspension from office. The Tisza party is urging him to resign to prevent a constitutional crisis, emphasizing the need for stability in Hungary.

Reactions from Political Parties

Members of the opposition Fidesz party walked out of the parliament before the vote, accusing the Tisza party of establishing a tyranny. They argue that the amendment gives the government excessive power to dismiss public officials without due process.

Péter Rona, a former opposition presidential candidate, remarked, "The great irony of the situation is that Fidesz have fallen foul of their own concept of power." This sentiment reflects concerns about the erosion of democratic norms in Hungary.

Implications of the 17th Amendment

The 17th amendment is part of a broader legislative package designed to guide Hungary until a new constitution is established within the next two to three years. Notably, it also mandates the removal of Constitutional Court judges over 70 and prevents parliament deputies who have served three terms from running again.

• Key aspects of the amendment:
• Ousts President Tamás Sulyok
• Removes judges over age 70
• Bars deputies with three terms from re-election

Former Supreme Court head András Baka expressed support for Sulyok's removal but criticized the provision limiting electoral choice, stating, "This limits the right of the public to vote for whom they wish."

Since the April elections, Orbán's Fidesz party has experienced a rapid decline, with internal dissatisfaction growing as he remains largely absent from public life. The political landscape in Hungary is shifting dramatically as the Tisza party consolidates its power.