Hungary’s parliament votes to oust Orbán-appointed president
Hungary's Parliament passed a constitutional amendment to remove President Tamás Sulyok and Constitutional Court president Péter Polt, fulfilling a key campaign promise by Prime Minister Péter Magyar's Tisza party. This move aims to undo the influence of the previous Fidesz party government, introducing term limits for lawmakers and establishing an anti-corruption office.
Why it matters
This significant constitutional change in Hungary signals a major shift in the country's political landscape, challenging the legacy of Viktor Orbán and potentially impacting democratic institutions and the rule of law. It could lead to a constitutional crisis if the president refuses to sign the amendment.
The 17th amendment to Hungary’s constitution easily surpassed the two-thirds voting majority needed for constitutional change.
Copy Link Copied Share via email Share on X Share on WhatsApp Share on LinkedIn Tamás Sulyok speaks at en event in Kaposvár, Hungary on March 21, 2025. | Attila Kisbenedek/AFP via Getty Images July 13, 2026 7:34 pm CET By Jonas Loesel The Hungarian Parliament passed a sweeping constitutional amendment Monday that will oust the country’s president Tamás Sulyok and Constitutional Court president Péter Polt.
The law is part of efforts by Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s Tisza party to turn the page on over a decade of rule by the now-ousted Fidesz party, to which Magyar claims that Sulyok and Polt are loyal.
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