Hende Csaba’s short stint on Hungary’s Constitutional Court ends after law changes

Hende Csaba served just over a year as a judge on Hungary’s Constitutional Court. His appointment was enabled by a 2024 amendment that removed the requirement of 20 years of legal experience, allowing him—who holds a law degree but had previously worked as a state secretary, MP and minister—to be selected.

The amendment was seen as controversial because Hende was vice‑chair of the parliamentary committee responsible for legislation at the time. His mandate ended when the 17th amendment to the constitution, passed by the Tisza‑led parliament, invoked a 12‑year limit on parliamentary mandates that also disqualified him from the court. His membership terminated on 19 July, and the parliament has already chosen his successor.