Sulyok Signs Away His Own Presidency
Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok has signed a constitutional amendment that effectively terminates his own mandate. The legislation forces the immediate departure of the sitting head of state, marking a sharp shift in the nation’s political structure. Under the new rules, the Speaker of the National Assembly will assume the role of interim president until parliament elects a successor.
A Bitter Farewell to the Office
The seventeenth amendment to Hungary’s Fundamental Law cleared parliament on July 13 with 139 votes in favor and 6 against. While Sulyok signed the document, he took to Facebook to publicly rebuke the process. He branded the forced resignation a “shameful” abuse of political power and an “unprecedented restriction” on the presidency.
Despite his vocal opposition, Sulyok claimed he signed the bill to honor his constitutional obligations and preserve respect for the office. His mandate expires the day after the amendment enters into force.
New Limits on Parliamentary and Judicial Power
The amendment introduces structural shifts to how long officials may remain in power. Key provisions include:
- Parliamentary Term Limits: Future candidates are barred from serving as Members of Parliament if they have already held office for 12 years or have been elected to the legislature at least three times. This rule does not apply to current sitting members.
- Constitutional Court Reform: The court will move to 15 members, all elected by a two-thirds parliamentary majority for nine-year terms. Judges must now retire at age 70.
- Judicial Independence: The amendment restores the Constitutional Court’s ability to review legislation regarding the central budget, taxes, and social contributions—powers that had been restricted by a 2013 amendment.
- Leadership Appointments: The presidents of the Kúria (Supreme Court) and the National Judicial Office will now serve six-year terms, reduced from nine years. Judges are also granted the authority to initiate the recall of these officials.
Targeting Public Assets and Bureaucracy
Beyond personnel, the amendment mandates the creation of a National Asset Recovery and Asset Protection Office. This independent body is designed to assist in tracing and recovering public assets handled unlawfully. Its president and vice-presidents will be elected by a two-thirds majority of parliament for six-year terms.
The law also removes the “cardinal law” requirement for several areas of governance, including state decorations, the use of the national flag, and the operations of the State Audit Office. By lowering these requirements to a simple majority, the government has increased its flexibility to adjust these regulations.
From County Rebranding to Constitutional Overhaul
The amendment includes a provision to revert the naming of counties from “vármegye” back to “megye,” starting October 1. Simultaneously, the Parliamentary Guard will be abolished.
The legislation’s preamble states these measures establish the “essential institutional conditions” for the state’s functioning until a new constitution is drafted. The government has indicated this future document will be developed following broad social and professional consultations, with a focus on popular sovereignty and the separation of powers.
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