By Zoey

Hungary’s government is preparing a constitutional amendment aimed at removing President Tamás Sulyok, marking the latest step in Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s campaign to dismantle the political structure established during the 16-year rule of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

Magyar, whose Tisza Party secured a decisive victory in April’s parliamentary election, has rapidly moved to reshape Hungary’s political landscape. Armed with a two-thirds parliamentary majority, his government possesses the authority to amend the constitution and introduce far-reaching institutional reforms. The administration has argued that sweeping changes are necessary to restore democratic checks and balances after years of centralized rule under Orbán.

Since taking office, Magyar has repeatedly called on President Sulyok to resign, accusing him of serving the interests of the previous government rather than acting as an independent guardian of Hungary’s constitutional order. The prime minister had set a May 31 deadline for Sulyok to step down voluntarily, warning that constitutional mechanisms would otherwise be used to remove him from office.

Although the Hungarian presidency is largely ceremonial, the office carries important constitutional responsibilities. The president signs legislation into law and has the authority to refer bills passed by parliament to the constitutional court for review. Supporters of the new government have expressed concerns that Sulyok could use those powers to delay or challenge reforms being advanced by Magyar’s administration.

The dispute reached a new stage on Monday when Magyar met Sulyok at Budapest’s presidential residence, Sándor Palace. Following the meeting, the prime minister told reporters that the president had rejected requests to resign. Magyar announced that lawmakers from his party would immediately begin procedures aimed at removing Sulyok, a process he estimated could take approximately one month to complete.

Addressing the media, Magyar argued that Hungary’s institutions must serve the public rather than any individual political figure or party. He said the presidency should function as a symbol of national unity and a defender of democratic governance, adding that those principles had been undermined in recent years.

While confirming that constitutional changes would be introduced, Magyar did not disclose the specific legal mechanism his government intends to use to remove the president. Constitutional experts and political observers are expected to closely examine the proposal once details are made public, as any effort to shorten a president’s term through constitutional amendment would represent a significant development in Hungary’s political system.

The prime minister also accused Sulyok of failing to fulfill his responsibilities during several controversial episodes under the previous administration. Among the issues cited were the president’s silence in response to comments by Orbán that critics described as dehumanizing toward political opponents, as well as his lack of opposition to legislation that banned Hungary’s LGBTQ+ Pride event.

Magyar argued that the presidency had lost public credibility because of what he described as years of passivity and unwillingness to challenge government actions. He said restoring trust in the institution would require leadership that is visibly independent and committed to democratic principles.

The president’s office has strongly rejected the criticism. In a statement issued Friday, Sulyok’s office said Magyar’s repeated demands for resignation were harmful to the constitutional functioning of the state and risked undermining the authority of the presidency. The statement defended the president’s conduct and suggested that attempts to pressure him into leaving office could set a troubling precedent.

Sulyok has also sought international legal guidance regarding the escalating dispute. According to the statement, he requested an assessment from the Venice Commission, a panel of constitutional law experts that operates under the Council of Europe. The commission is expected to review the legal and constitutional implications of the conflict between Hungary’s government and presidency.

The standoff highlights the growing struggle over Hungary’s institutions following the end of Orbán’s long tenure. As Magyar advances an ambitious reform agenda, the battle over the presidency is emerging as one of the most consequential tests of how far the new government is prepared to go in reshaping the country’s political system.