Hungary Moves to Amend Constitution to Facilitate Presidential Impeachment

Hungarian Prime Minister Magyar has announced plans to amend the constitution, introducing a five-day deadline for presidential sign-offs, failing which a removal procedure against the president could be initiated.

Proposed Constitutional Amendments

According to Prime Minister Magyar, the constitutional amendment will grant the president five days to sign legislation. Failure to comply will allow for the immediate commencement of impeachment proceedings.

The proposed amendment includes 12 points, notably limiting parliamentary terms to three and establishing a special office for asset recovery to reclaim funds misappropriated during the Orban era.

Political Conflict Over Presidential Legitimacy

The TISZA party, which holds a constitutional majority of 141 out of 199 seats, views President Sulyok as a puppet of Viktor Orban. TISZA had previously set a deadline for the president and senior judiciary members to resign voluntarily.

Fidesz, Orban’s party, recently organized a protest in Budapest against the efforts to remove Sulyok, arguing that such moves are incompatible with the fundamental law.

The Paradox of the Lex Orban

President Sulyok, whose term runs until 2029, previously signed the “lex Orban” amendment, which limits the head of government’s tenure to two terms. Despite signing it, Sulyok noted in his justification that the regulation is globally unique and restricts the will of the voters.

Under the Hungarian constitution, a president can be removed for failing to uphold the fundamental law, violating duties related to the office, or committing a criminal offense.