Hungarian President Signs Amendment Ending His Own Term in Sweeping Political Shift

BUDAPEST – Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok on Saturday signed a constitutional amendment that will prematurely conclude his own term in office, marking a pivotal moment in Prime Minister Péter Magyar's concerted efforts to dismantle the institutional legacy of former leader Viktor Orbán. The move, announced by Sulyok, signals a significant political transition following the recent electoral success of Magyar's Tisza party and its promises of "regime change."

The unexpected development will see Sulyok's mandate expire the day after the legislation is officially published in the Hungarian Gazette, effectively cutting short a presidency that began just over two years ago. This action culminates weeks of political pressure from the new governing party, which had repeatedly characterized Sulyok and other high-ranking state officials as remnants of the previous administration.

A President's Reluctant Acquiescence

President Sulyok confirmed his decision to sign the 17th amendment to Hungary's Fundamental Law via a statement, acknowledging that while he had carefully considered his legal options and personal conscience, he perceived no viable path to obstruct the measure. He stated his obligation under the Fundamental Law but also voiced concerns, noting that the reform has "harmed the rule of law" in Hungary. Sulyok, a former Constitutional Court judge, warned that the removal of public office holders in such a manner constituted a serious case in a constitutional sense and an unprecedented event in Hungary's 36-year democratic history.

Sulyok had been elected in March 2024 following the resignation of Katalin Novák and was initially expected to serve until March 2029. His departure underscores the rapid and extensive nature of the changes being implemented by the new government. With his term ending, Agnes Forsthoffer, the Speaker of Parliament, is slated to assume the role of interim head of state. Hungarian law mandates that a new president must be elected by secret ballot within 30 days.

The Roots of a "Regime Change" Mandate

The constitutional amendment's passage is a direct consequence of the April general election, which saw Péter Magyar's center-right Tisza party sweep to power, ending Viktor Orbán's 16-year tenure. Magyar campaigned on a platform explicitly promising a "regime change" and a restoration of accountability in Hungarian governance, frequently describing officials like Sulyok as "puppets" of the previous Orbán administration.

Magyar welcomed Sulyok's announcement, asserting that the removal of the president cleared the path for his government's agenda and marked the "final obstacle" to their joint decisions taking effect. His party pushed the amendment through parliament earlier in the week, reflecting their strong mandate from voters who sought a departure from the political landscape under Orbán. Watchdog organizations had long raised alarms about alleged corruption and the erosion of institutional checks and balances during the previous government's time in power.

Comprehensive Constitutional Reshaping

Beyond the immediate end to the presidency, the 17th amendment ushers in a broad array of significant constitutional and institutional changes designed to reshape Hungary's governance structure. One of the most impactful provisions reinstates a mandatory retirement age of 70 for Constitutional Court judges. This measure will directly lead to the removal of Péter Polt, the current president of the court and another figure closely associated with the Orbán era, along with three other judges over the age limit.

Furthermore, the amendment restores the Constitutional Court's authority to review budget legislation, a power that had been curtailed previously. It also introduces term limits for members of parliament, capping their service at 12 years, and reduces the terms of Constitutional Court judges from 12 to nine years. In a move aimed at tackling perceived systemic issues, the legislation establishes a new National Asset Recovery and Protection Office, specifically tasked with combating corruption. Magyar has framed this comprehensive package as essential for "restoring something that the Orbán regime spent many years trying to take away from the Hungarian people."

Implications for Hungary's Future

The swift implementation of these far-reaching constitutional changes signals a decisive break from the political norms of the past decade and a half. While proponents argue that these reforms are necessary to restore democratic accountability and combat corruption, critics, including President Sulyok himself, have raised concerns about the process and its potential impact on the rule of law.

The upcoming election for a new president within the next 30 days will be closely watched, as it will symbolize the final step in replacing a figure tied to the former regime with one reflective of the new political era. The Tisza party's intention to nominate a candidate capable of representing national unity highlights their aim to consolidate their newfound power and establish a different political culture. The long-term effects of these constitutional shifts on Hungary's democratic institutions and its political trajectory remain a subject of considerable domestic and international scrutiny.