Lead

Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok has rejected the 17th constitutional amendment, submitted by the government and passed by parliament, which allows for his removal from office, according to a statement from the Sandor Palace presidential residence.

Coverage comparison

The development comes after Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced on July 4 that the government had submitted to parliament a draft of the 17th amendment, under which Sulyok would have to step down. Magyar, whose Tisza party holds a majority in parliament, said in a video address broadcast on Hungarian TV channels that the current president's term would expire with the adoption of the amendment. He argued that Sulyok cannot remain in office because he failed to fulfill his duties and condoned the abuses of the previous administration led by Viktor Orban.

Sulyok's rejection, reported several days later, underscores a confrontation between the president and the government over the amendment's scope and intent.

Key claims

  • The Hungarian government has submitted to parliament a draft of the 17th amendment to the Constitution, under which President Tamas Sulyok must step down from office.
  • Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced the amendment in a video address.
  • A new constitution will be drafted in Hungary and put to a national referendum, with the process beginning in the fall.
  • Amendments will be made to the current constitution, including those concerning the head of state.
  • President Tamas Sulyok rejected the 17th constitutional amendment.
  • The president believes the document violates the principles of the rule of law, democracy, and separation of powers.
  • The head of state has the right to return the legislation to parliament for revision or file a request with the Constitutional Court.
According to a previously published draft of the document, "the powers of the incumbent president of the republic shall cease, and parliament shall elect a new head of state within 30 days" after the 17th amendment takes effect. The government explained that the purpose of this measure is "to restore confidence in the office of the head of state and ensure compliance with the constitutional principles governing the exercise of power."

In his statement, Sulyok said, "A situation where a country's incumbent president is being removed from office solely for political reasons is unprecedented in Europe. Notably, the relevant procedure has clearly been designed for a certain person and included in the final provisions of a constitutional amendment, which clearly violates the guarantees ensuring the autonomy of the presidency."

Sulyok did not specify what steps he would take following his decision not to sign the document. The head of state has the right to return the legislation to parliament for revision, along with his comments, but lawmakers will be able to override his veto by a majority vote. His second option is to file a request with the Constitutional Court to examine the bill.