The newly formed Hungarian parliament is set to approve a constitutional amendment on Monday that would terminate the presidency of Tamas Sulyok. Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced on Saturday that if Sulyok refuses to promulgate the amendment, he will be dismissed by parliament regardless.
“On Monday, the National Assembly will pass the 17th amendment to the Fundamental Law. The president will have five days to sign it. If he does not, a removal procedure could be initiated in parliament,” Magyar stated, according to reports.
The pro-EU conservative leader has repeatedly called for the ousting of Sulyok and others he deems as “puppets” of former Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who was known for his nationalist policies.
Two months after taking office on May 9, Magyar is rapidly pushing for the promised “regime change” following his decisive victory in the April parliamentary elections.
Last month, he announced “Operation Purifying Fire,” aimed at revising the constitution to prevent a future concentration of power similar to Orban’s era.
Prior to the adoption of this constitutional revision, which requires public consultation, the new parliament is expected to vote on a 12-point amendment that includes the removal of President Sulyok, who was elected by the previous Fidesz-majority legislature.
Other initiatives promoted by Magyar, whose Tisza party holds a comfortable two-thirds majority in parliament, focus on anti-corruption measures. This includes the establishment of a body called the “National Office for Asset Protection and Recovery,” which will investigate officials from the former administration. Additionally, Hungary plans to join the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO).
Magyar has also launched a bold attack on public media, accusing it of bias in favor of Orban. On Tuesday, the main television and radio channels temporarily withdrew their news broadcasts, awaiting the formation of new editorial structures.
The Fidesz party has accused the current administration of attempting to create “an autocratic regime,” echoing the charges made against Orban during his time in power.
