Hungary faces scrutiny over property restitution law and constitutional reform proposals

The Hungarian Helsinki Committee welcomed that the government is conducting a public discussion on the draft property restitution law, but warned that the legislation lacks sufficient rule‑of‑law guarantees. It called for independent judicial review and clearer definitions of assets subject to state oversight, urging the appointment of a dedicated human‑rights officer. The committee quoted its statement: "A Magyar Helsinki Bizottság nyugtázza, hogy a Magyar Péter vezette kormány végre szakított az Orbán‑kormány 16 éves törvénysértő gyakorlatával, és érdemi társadalmi egyeztetést folytat egy kiemelt jelentőségű törvény tervezetéről."

Separately, a delegation of the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission is scheduled to visit Budapest to examine the government’s constitutional amendment package. The proposal would terminate President Sulyok’s mandate, set a 70‑year age limit for Constitutional Court members, and cap parliamentary terms at 12 years. The government claims 95 % public support from a recent consultation, while the Venice Commission can issue a non‑binding opinion on whether the changes meet European democratic standards.