Hungary’s newly appointed prime minister is actively working to remove political allies of his predecessor, stating that he is carrying out the wishes of the people. The country’s parliament recently passed a constitutional amendment that allows the government to dismiss President Tamas Sulyok, whom Prime Minister Péter Magyar accuses of being a mere figurehead for former prime minister Viktor Orbán.
This move is part of a broader reform initiative aimed at dismantling the political structure established by Orbán and eliminating his supporters from influential positions. While some human rights advocates criticize Magyar for potentially sidestepping due process and the rule of law in his push for change, others argue that the current circumstances necessitate strong measures.
Former head of Hungary’s Supreme Court, András Baka, who was removed from his position in 2012 for opposing Orbán’s judicial reforms, supports the government’s actions, believing that extraordinary steps are required during this transitional period to restore the country’s rule of law.
Although the president’s role in Hungary is largely ceremonial, it holds significant powers, such as signing bills into law and referring legislation to the Constitutional Court for scrutiny. Magyar expresses concerns that Sulyok, appointed by Orbán, could impede the government’s efforts to steer the country away from the previous administration’s far-right and anti-European stance.
Despite calls for his resignation, Sulyok maintains that he is apolitical and refuses to step down. Following a landslide victory in April, Magyar’s Tisza party now commands a two-thirds majority in Parliament, enabling it to enact constitutional changes and reverse many of Orbán’s policies.
The recent 17th amendment, passed by Parliament with overwhelming support, not only targets Sulyok but also establishes an office to investigate financial misconduct during the Orbán era, introduces term limits for lawmakers, and sets an age cap for Constitutional Court judges.
Human Rights Watch has criticized the swift implementation of these constitutional changes, emphasizing the importance of upholding due process and fairness in a state governed by the rule of law. Benjamin Ward, Deputy Director for Europe and Central Asia at the organization, warns against hasty legislation that could undermine the progress made in restoring the rule of law.
While some, including Baka, endorse Sulyok’s removal, concerns remain regarding the potential abuse of power by a dominant political party in Parliament. Baka emphasizes the need for vigilance to prevent any party from replicating the previous system’s pitfalls. Despite these challenges, he maintains a cautious optimism about Hungary’s future trajectory.