The Hungarian parliament passed a constitutional amendment on Friday to oust President Tamas Sulyok. This decision aligns with newly-elected Prime Minister Peter Magyar's agenda to dismantle the political legacy of former Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who had held power for 16 years.
Reasons Behind Sulyok's Ouster
According to Magyar, Sulyok failed to intervene against Orban's anti-democratic policies. During his campaign, Magyar pledged to remove Sulyok as part of his commitment to restoring democracy in Hungary. He claimed that the support received by his pro-European party, Tisza, gave him the mandate to fulfill this promise.
Orban's party, the far-right Fidesz, has criticized the amendment as an unprecedented attack on Hungary's democratic framework. The vote saw 139 lawmakers in favor and only 6 against, while Fidesz chose to boycott the session.
What Happens Next for Sulyok?
Following the amendment's passage, President Sulyok has five days to sign it into law. If he refuses, Tisza has stated it will initiate impeachment proceedings against him. In a speech before the vote, Magyar described the day as a significant moment in Hungary's transition towards democracy.
The presidential role in Hungary is largely ceremonial but includes the critical responsibility of signing legislation into law. This power allows the president to seek a review from the Constitutional Court on laws passed by parliament.
Implications for Hungary's Political Landscape
The ousting of Sulyok marks a pivotal change in Hungary's political environment. With Tisza holding a two-thirds majority, the party is poised to implement extensive constitutional reforms and reverse many policies from Orban's administration. Magyar's leadership reflects a broader shift towards pro-European governance.
- 139 votes in favor of the amendment
- 6 votes against
- Five days for Sulyok to act
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by DW English. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
