In Budapest, Hungary, a significant political change occurred as Hungary’s president, Tamás Sulyok, signed a constitutional amendment into law. This amendment formally ends his term, concluding a dispute with the country’s new government.
Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar, who won a decisive victory over Viktor Orbán in April, consistently urged Sulyok to step down. Magyar argued that Sulyok failed to uphold his duties by not opposing antidemocratic measures taken by Orbán’s administration.
When Sulyok declined to resign, Magyar’s center-right Tisza party enacted a constitutional amendment, mandating the immediate end of Sulyok’s term. Sulyok signed the amendment on the final day of the deadline, claiming it demonstrated how essential democratic values were ignored in the pursuit of power.
Upon Sulyok’s term concluding at midnight on Monday, Ágnes Forsthoffer, the speaker of Parliament, will assume his responsibilities temporarily. Lawmakers have 30 days to elect a new president.
Since assuming office in May, the Magyar administration has pursued rapid reforms, dismantling what it describes as Orbán’s “mafia.” Numerous political appointees and institutional leaders associated with Orbán’s government have been removed.
The government also halted Hungary’s public television and radio news services, which Magyar criticized as propaganda tools for Orbán’s party, and disbanded the Sovereignty Protection Office, an agency accused of targeting independent media.
The amendment that ended Sulyok’s term also introduced judicial reforms, established an office to investigate financial misconduct under Orbán, and set a 12-year term limit for lawmakers.
In reaction, Orbán criticized the amendment in a social media post, suggesting it threatened the safety of officials. Conversely, Magyar defended the amendment, stating that it fulfilled crucial commitments to restoring democracy in Hungary. Magyar announced a party meeting on Monday to discuss nominating a new president.