Hungary is embroiled in a constitutional conflict following the parliament’s approval of an amendment poised to cut short President Tamás Sulyok’s term. This legislative move, needing the president’s signature to become law, has sparked a legal impasse since endorsing it would mean curtailing his own mandate.
During a “Day of the Courts” event, President Sulyok underscored the significance of upholding the rule of law and the judiciary’s independence, a stance interpreted as a direct response to the constitutional crisis at hand. His office has issued a call for adherence to constitutional norms and cautioned against the unchecked exercise of parliamentary powers.
Constitutional experts indicate that President Sulyok’s options are limited. He can challenge the amendment on procedural grounds by referring it to the Constitutional Court. Should the court find the amendment legally sound, however, the president would be obliged to sign it into law.
If President Sulyok opts not to sign the amendment, parliament may consider impeachment proceedings or declare him temporarily incapacitated. This would allow the speaker of parliament to assume presidential duties and enact the legislation.
The proposed amendment has heightened concerns about the rule of law in Hungary, with experts stressing that constitutional amendments should uphold legal certainty and maintain the independence of public institutions.