Hungarian president steps down at request of PM Magyar's government
Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok (photo: Getty Images)
Hungary's president has officially signed constitutional amendments that will end his powers. The decision effectively removes the head of state from office within the coming days, according to Daily News Hungary.
Tamás Sulyok signed the country's 17th constitutional amendment. Under the new rules, his term will officially end the day after the law is published in the official gazette.
Reforms launched by Magyar, Tisza's push
The amendment is part of a broader political overhaul. The parliament approved the changes earlier this week.
The process has been driven by the Tisza Party, led by Prime Minister Péter Magyar. After winning the April elections, the party quickly launched sweeping reforms, with the removal of the incumbent president among the new government's first major steps.
Tamás Sulyok served as president for only a short time. He was elected in March 2024 following the resignation of Katalin Novák.
Novák stepped down after a high-profile political scandal. Analysts had initially expected Sulyok to remain in office until the end of his term, which was due to expire in March 2029.
Who becomes Hungary's next president
While the country searches for a new head of state, presidential powers will temporarily be transferred to the legislature. Parliament speaker Ágnes Forsthoffer will serve as acting president.
During that period, one of her deputies will assume her parliamentary responsibilities, in accordance with Hungarian law. The arrangement ensures there will be no leadership vacuum during the transition.
Under the Constitution of Hungary:
- Parliament must elect a new president within 30 days
- Voting will be held by secret ballot
- Candidate must secure the required support of lawmakers to be officially elected.
Background
Earlier, Hungary adopted its 17th constitutional amendment, paving the way for the removal of President Tamás Sulyok and the president of the Constitutional Court. The move effectively launched a sweeping restructuring of the country's political system.
After winning the election, Péter Magyar initiated a broad purge of political and media figures associated with former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Lawmakers also approved constitutional amendments designed to prevent Orbán from returning to the premiership.
Magyar has also proposed to lower the voting age in Hungary to 16.
