Nick Thorpe

Hungary’s parliament approved a constitutional amendment enabling the removal of President Tamás Sulyok, a close ally of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The ruling Tisza Party used its two‑thirds majority to pass reforms ending the terms of Sulyok and Constitutional Court President Péter Polt while also imposing limits on judicial and parliamentary tenures. Sulyok has five days to sign the amendment or challenge it in court, a move that could trigger his impeachment. Fidesz lawmakers protested by walking out, arguing the reforms grant excessive dismissal powers to the government. Legal experts supportive of the changes described them as necessary to dismantle institutional structures built under Fidesz during its long rule, while expressing reservations about restrictions on parliamentary re‑election. Further constitutional reforms are expected as Hungary transitions away from the Orbán era.

Hungary’s parliament voted to remove President Tamás Sulyok through a constitutional amendment pushed by Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s Tisza party, which used its two‑thirds majority to end the terms of Sulyok and Constitutional Court head Péter Polt. Fidesz deputies walked out, arguing the amendment grants excessive power to dismiss officials, while critics noted Fidesz’s previous use of similar authority when in government. The package also removes judges over 70 and bars deputies with three parliamentary terms from running again. Former judicial leaders voiced support for dismantling structures created under Viktor Orbán but questioned limits on voter choice. Orbán has remained largely absent since his party’s electoral defeat, deepening internal turmoil within Fidesz.

Hungary’s parliament voted to remove President Tamás Sulyok through a constitutional amendment pushed by Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s Tisza party, ending the terms of Sulyok and Constitutional Court head Péter Polt. The amendment includes broader reforms affecting judges over 70 and long‑serving deputies. Fidesz lawmakers walked out, accusing the government of tyranny, while critics argued that Fidesz is now constrained by the system it created during its long rule. The party is in turmoil following its election defeat, with Viktor Orbán largely absent from public life and senior figures resigning.