Published：May 29, 16:24Last updated：Jun 7, 17:07

Hungary's Constitutional Crisis Over President's Removal

May. 29, 2026 16:24

Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok refused to resign despite calls from Prime Minister Péter Magyar. Sulyok has sought legal assessment from the Venice Commission regarding the conflict.

Summarized

18News

13Media

Jun. 2, 2026 14:17

Hungarian Prime Minister Magyar aims to oust President Sulyok for tolerating his predecessor's anti-democratic policies. A power struggle has begun. The news was reported on June 2, 2026.

Jun. 7, 2026 17:07

A rally supporting Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok and opposing Prime Minister Péter Magyar's actions drew around 2,000 people in Budapest. Protesters criticized Magyar's attempts to force Sulyok's resignation and called for focus on governance. Magyar had set a May 31 deadline for Sulyok to resign, which was ignored.

Hungary faces a deepening constitutional crisis as President Tamás Sulyok refuses Prime Minister Péter Magyar's demands to resign, triggering a political showdown between the old Orbán-era appointee and the new government. The standoff has escalated to potential constitutional amendments and impeachment threats, with Sulyok seeking international legal assessment from the Venice Commission. Recent protests in Budapest saw 2,000 people rallying in support of Sulyok, criticizing Magyar's ultimatum tactics.Russian Gazette+3

🏛️ Constitutional Standoff

President Sulyok, appointed by former PM Viktor Orbán, maintains he will serve until his term ends in 2029 despite repeated resignation demands. PM Magyar's government holds a two-thirds parliamentary majority, enabling potential constitutional changes to force Sulyok's removal within approximately one month. The president has criticized the move as political exploitation of constitutional mechanisms while seeking advice from the Venice Commission.RIA Novosti+3

⚖️ Legal Battles Escalate

Sulyok has appealed to the Venice Commission for expert opinion on the constitutional dispute, while Magyar's government prepares impeachment proceedings and constitutional amendments. The conflict stems from Magyar's campaign to remove Orbán-era officials following his Tisza party's landslide April 2026 election victory, with Fidesz party denouncing the moves as unlawful.RIA Novosti+3

🌍 International Implications

The crisis threatens Hungary's efforts to regain frozen EU funds tied to rule-of-law concerns. Analysts warn the confrontation could destabilize Hungary's political landscape and affect its international standing, particularly regarding democratic governance standards, as the government pursues sweeping reforms targeting Orbán's legacy institutions.RIA Novosti+3

📜 Constitutional Amendment Plans

Magyar's government has announced plans to amend Hungary's constitution to enable Sulyok's removal, marking a significant shift in the country's power structure. The proposed changes aim to reshape Hungary's political framework established during Orbán's administration, including potential removal of Constitutional Court and Supreme Court members.Bloomberg+3

Péter MagyarTamás SulyokViktor OrbánVenice CommissionHungarian Parliament