Hungary’s Magyar Moves to Remove President Sulyok, June 02

Hungary’s new Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced plans to amend the constitution and remove President Tamás Sulyok after the president refused to resign on May 31. Magyar and his Tisza party won an overwhelming election victory in April and now hold a two-thirds parliamentary majority. The removal process is expected to take around one month. Sulyok was appointed by former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, and Magyar views him as an obstacle to his government’s reform agenda.

Why Magyar Wants Sulyok Out

Although Hungary’s president is mostly ceremonial, the role includes signing legislation into law and sending bills to the constitutional court for review. Magyar fears Sulyok could use these powers to block his government’s reforms. Magyar has repeatedly called Sulyok an “Orbán’s puppet” and set a May 31 deadline for him to resign. When Sulyok refused, Magyar announced he would pursue constitutional removal.

The Constitutional Amendment Path

Magyar’s Tisza party holds enough seats to pass constitutional changes without opposition support. Magyar said the removal process would take around one month. He ruled out impeachment proceedings to protect the presidency’s remaining prestige. The exact method for removal has not been disclosed, but Magyar stated several constitutional options exist.

Sulyok’s Resistance and Concerns

Sulyok has refused to step down and warned that removing him could trigger a constitutional crisis and damage Hungary’s global standing. The president appealed to the Venice Commission, a Council of Europe body, for guidance on the dispute. Orbán’s Fidesz party called Magyar’s ultimatum unlawful and insisted Sulyok should serve his full term until 2029.

Broader Reforms Under Magyar

Magyar’s government is systematically replacing officials appointed during Orbán’s 16-year rule. Beyond removing Sulyok, the government plans a wealth tax targeting Orbán-era oligarchs. Finance Minister András Kármán is expected to provide details by June 5 on a planned 1% annual tax on assets above 1 billion forints (approximately 2.4 million pounds) for those with wealth above that threshold.

Final Thoughts

Magyar’s two-thirds majority gives him the power to reshape Hungary’s political system. The constitutional amendment to remove Sulyok signals a broader effort to dismantle Orbán’s institutional legacy and consolidate control over the state.

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