# Hungarian Constitutional Court leadership changes

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/hungarian-constitutional-court-leadership-changes
> Updated: 2026-09-28T04:00:00.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 2.

Following a constitutional amendment to the Fundamental Law, the mandates of Péter Polt, President of the Constitutional Court, and three other judges expired on September 1. The 17th amendment reinstated a 70-year age limit for judges, a measure proponents claim is necessary to restore judicial independence. The Fidesz-KDNP party criticized the move, with former parliamentary group leader Gergely Gulyás describing the departure of the judges as the ‘decapitation’ of the body.

In response to his removal, Péter Polt announced his intention to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. Polt argues that the manner in which the President was removed violates the rule of law, suggesting that changes to retirement ages should apply to incoming officials rather than those currently serving full terms. Additionally, Polt defended his previous tenure as Prosecutor General, denying allegations that he failed to investigate cases linked to the ruling Fidesz party.

Polt has proceeded with his appeal to the European Court of Human Rights, maintaining that judicial term changes should be implemented through a transitional system to protect the rule of law.

## Claims

- Former prosecutor Pál Fürcht alleged that the Prosecutor General's Office influenced politically sensitive investigations, including the Aranykonvoj and Gundalf cases. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- Pál Fürcht claimed Viktor Orbán issued instructions regarding the seizure of Ukrainian money transporters. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- Péter Polt is appealing to the European Court of Human Rights regarding the early termination of his Constitutional Court mandate. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The termination of the mandate for judges over age 70 should only be implemented through a transitional system. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Regarding the Elios case, investigations found administrative irregularities but no criminal fraud or embezzlement. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- President András Baka announced he will nominate a new Prosecutor General after Zoltán Szathmáry was rejected by Parliament. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-28: Pál Fürcht alleges Viktor Orbán ordered Ukrainian fund seizure

Former prosecutor Pál Fürcht alleges Viktor Orbán ordered the seizure of Ukrainian funds in the Aranykonvoj case, prompting the Prosecutor General's Office to reject political intimidation.

18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pter-polt-appeals-to-european-court-of-human-rights

### 2026-09-01: Hungarian Constitutional Court President Péter Polt leaves office

Four Hungarian Constitutional Court members, including President Péter Polt, have left office following a constitutional amendment that reinstated a 70-year age limit for judges.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungarian-constitutional-court-president-pter-polt-leaves-office

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Cite as: Hungarian Constitutional Court leadership changes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/hungarian-constitutional-court-leadership-changes