Hungary Parliament Approves Constitutional Amendment to Oust President Tamás Sulyok

Hungary’s parliament voted on 13 July to adopt a 17th amendment to the Fundamental Law with a two‑thirds majority (139 for, 6 against). The amendment terminates the mandate of President Tamás Sulyok – described by Prime Minister Péter Magyar as an “Orbán puppet” – and gives him five days to sign the change or face impeachment.

The package also imposes a 70‑year age limit on Constitutional Court judges, restricts parliamentary terms to three terms or twelve years, and creates a new National Asset Recovery and Protection Office with broad anti‑corruption powers. Magyar said the reforms dismantle the “illiberal system” built under former prime minister Viktor Orbán. Fidesz and its KDNP allies boycotted the vote and have staged protests, calling the move an unprecedented assault on democratic order.

If Sulyok does not sign, the parliament will initiate a removal procedure and the speaker of the assembly will temporarily assume presidential duties until a new president is elected, up to a five‑year term or until a new constitution is adopted.