Published：Jul 4, 16:23Last updated：Jul 9, 19:42

Hungary's Constitutional Crisis Deepens

Jul. 4, 2026 16:23

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar's government submitted a constitutional amendment on July 4, 2026, to remove the Viktor Orban-allied president. The move seeks to reduce the political influence of the former nationalist leader. The amendment is part of efforts to reshape Hungary's political landscape. Orban's allies have resisted such changes in the past.

Summarized

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Jul. 9, 2026 18:07

Allies of former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán protested in Budapest against efforts to remove President Tamás Sulyok. The demonstration was organized on Thursday amid political tensions. The protest reflects divisions within Hungary's government.

Jul. 9, 2026 19:42

A protest against Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar's proposed constitutional amendment took place in Budapest on July 9, 2026. The amendment seeks to remove President Tamás Sulyok from office, sparking criticism from opposition parties and former President János Áder.

Hungary faces escalating political tensions as Prime Minister Peter Magyar's government pushes constitutional amendments to remove President Tamas Sulyok, a key ally of former leader Viktor Orban. The proposed changes include provisions for presidential removal and 12-year term limits for parliament members, sparking fierce opposition from Orban's Fidesz party and civil society groups.Bloomberg+2

🏛️ Constitutional Overhaul

The amendment package submitted on July 4 would fundamentally alter Hungary's governance structure. It requires President Sulyok's resignation and establishes a national referendum process for adopting a new constitution. Gergely Gulyás of Fidesz condemned the move as "the end of constitutional democracy," while PM Magyar maintains it's necessary for political reform.RIA Novosti+2

⚖️ Rule of Law Concerns

President Sulyok rejected the amendments on July 9, calling them undemocratic and a violation of separation of powers. Former President János Áder and Christian Democrat leader Bence Rétvári joined criticism, with Rétvári labeling the changes as "political revenge" against Orban's legacy. NGOs warn the changes could weaken checks and balances.TASS+2

🗣️ Political Backlash

Fidesz organized protests in Budapest on July 9, though turnout was smaller than expected, signaling Orban's diminished influence. The demonstrations highlighted growing divisions between Magyar's government and Orban loyalists. Parliament began reviewing the amendments on July 7 amid controversy over their potential impact on Hungary's political landscape.Bloomberg+2

📜 Amendment Process

The constitutional changes are currently under parliamentary review, with the government planning to submit a draft constitution for national referendum. The procedure has drawn international attention as it could reshape Hungary's political framework and determine the fate of Orban-era institutions.TASS+2

FideszPeter MagyarTamas SulyokViktor OrbanGergely Gulyás