European Commission monitors Hungarian constitutional amendments

Tensions are rising in the European Parliament regarding the 17th amendment to the Hungarian Constitution. More than forty right-wing and conservative MEPs have submitted written questions to the European Commission, arguing that the amendment severely violates fundamental democratic and constitutional principles.

The MEPs, representing groups such as Patriots for Europe and European Conservatives and Reformists, specifically challenge three provisions: the mechanism allowing for the premature termination of the President's mandate, the exclusion of veteran politicians (those with at least 12 years of parliamentary service) from running in elections, and the immediate termination of terms for Constitutional Court judges upon reaching age 70.

In response, Michael McGrath, the European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, and Rule of Law, stated that the Commission is closely monitoring the developments in Hungary as part of its ongoing oversight of the rule of law. The Commission intends to take into account the findings of the Council of Europe’s independent advisory body of constitutional lawyers during its assessment.

Separately, in the Hungarian Parliament, discussions regarding the 2026 supplementary budget have seen minimal opposition activity. While the government's proposal projects 2% economic growth and 1.6% inflation, critics have raised concerns regarding a record-sized household deficit projected at 7.5% of GDP, amounting to 7,110 billion forints.