Hungary PM Magyar's plan to change constitution to remove president draws mixed reactions

Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar has faced a backlash over plans to amend the constitution to allow the removal of the president. The government published a draft amendment in late June 2026 that would immediately terminate the term of current President Tamás Sulyok.

Sulyok, elected by parliament in 2024 with the support of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's right-wing Fidesz party, has rejected Magyar's calls to resign. Magyar has repeatedly described Sulyok as an illegitimate puppet and demanded his resignation.

Political scientist Gábor Török warned that the constitutional changes would set a dangerous precedent, undermining the rule of law. In a Facebook post, Török compared the move to placing a weapon on the table, noting that once used, it becomes part of the arsenal. Magyar responded, saying it would not be right to act against the democratic will and mandate of the people.

Amnesty International criticized the proposed amendments as unacceptable, emphasizing Sulyok's right to a fair trial and stating that removal can only happen with proper legal guarantees. The organization also condemned the five-day public consultation period as too short.

Sulyok has appealed to the Constitutional Court and filed a complaint with the Venice Commission, arguing that Magyar's calls are incomprehensible and unconstitutional.

The draft also includes the creation of a state institution for the recovery and protection of state assets. Earlier this week, lawmakers passed anti-corruption measures and public media reform as part of Magyar's broader reform agenda.