Hundreds of Thousands Protest in Budapest Against Constitutional Move to Oust President Tamás Sulyok

Thousands to hundreds of thousands of people gathered in front of the Sándor Palace in Budapest on Thursday, organized by the ruling Fidesz party and its ally KDNP. The protesters opposed a constitutional amendment proposed by Prime Minister Peter Magyar’s Tisza‑government that would allow the removal of President Tamás Sulyok, who is described by the government as a “marionette” of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

Former President János Áder warned that the change would “destroy the rule of law and lead to anarchy, after which anything, anyone could happen in Hungary.” The protest featured speeches by Áder, Fidesz MP Gábor Szűcs, and party communicator Havasi Bertalan. Orbán did not attend; Bloomberg noted that the turnout of about a thousand people at the demonstration suggests his political influence may be waning.

The government argues the reforms restore “constitutional democracy,” while opposition leaders and European observers say they undermine democratic institutions and could trigger EU sanctions.