Hungarys Magyar to amend constitution removing President Tamas Sulyok

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar has announced plans to amend the constitution to remove President Tamas Sulyok from office. The move comes as Magyar’s party, Tizsa, holds a two-thirds majority in parliament, allowing for sweeping changes to the political system established by former Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Magyar had previously given Sulyok a deadline of Sunday to leave office, citing concerns that the president was not fulfilling his duties. In a meeting with Sulyok on Monday, Magyar reiterated his request for the president’s resignation, stating that he would inform lawmakers about legislative proposals and initiate procedures to remove him from office.

Sulyok has repeatedly rejected Magyar’s requests, leading to tensions between the two leaders. Magyar accused Sulyok of failing to speak out against dehumanizing statements made by Orban and legislation banning LGBTQ pride events.

In response to Magyar’s calls for Sulyok’s resignation, the president’s office released a statement saying that Magyar’s actions would “adversely affect both the constitutional functioning and the authority of the institution of the President of the Republic.” The Venice Commission has been requested to assess the conflict between Magyar and Sulyok.

Magyar stated that he believes it is in Hungary’s interest for the office of the president to regain its prestige, which he claims has been eroded by Sulyok’s silence and inaction. However, no specifics have been given on what kind of constitutional change would be used to remove Sulyok from office.

Source: Al Jazeera