Hungary PM seeks constitutional changes if president refuses to resign

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced on Monday that his government will seek constitutional changes if President Tamas Sulyok refuses to step down. The remarks followed a meeting between Magyar, Sulyok, and Justice Minister Marta Gorok at Budapest’s Sandor Palace, according to the daily Magyar Nemzet. The dispute stems from an ultimatum issued by the prime minister, who had called on several public officials and senior officeholders—including the president—to leave public office by May 31.

Pressure and protest

After Sulyok remained in office, Magyar said the government was prepared to pursue constitutional measures. “I called on Tamas Sulyok today as well,” Magyar said at a press conference, adding that he would inform the government so it could begin proceedings to amend Hungary’s Fundamental Law. Demonstrators gathered outside the presidential palace during the meeting, with some supporting Sulyok and others calling for his resignation. Sulyok has repeatedly rejected calls to resign and has said he would not yield to political pressure.

Political fallout

The opposition conservative party Fidesz criticized Magyar, accusing him of exerting unlawful pressure on the president. In a statement, Fidesz said it stood by Sulyok and argued that public officials’ terms of office are determined by Hungary’s constitutional order rather than political ultimatums.