Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok has voiced strong opposition to the proposed 17th Amendment to the country’s Fundamental Law, arguing that it poses a threat to the separation of powers and the rule of law. The amendment, if passed, would grant the governing majority the ability to more easily remove the head of state and leaders of other independent institutions, thereby increasing political control over constitutional entities.
President Sulyok highlighted that the proposed changes would result in the immediate termination of the current president’s term. Furthermore, it could impact the Constitutional Court by reintroducing a 70-year age limit for its members. Another significant alteration includes the introduction of a 12-year term limit for members of parliament, which could prevent several current lawmakers from pursuing re-election.
Sulyok stressed that these changes threaten Hungary’s constitutional democracy and undermine essential democratic principles such as judicial independence and the separation of powers. He urged lawmakers to heed the recommendations of the Venice Commission to address the constitutional dispute in a manner consistent with democratic and legal norms.
In his remarks, Sulyok called upon political leaders and public figures to stand up for the values of democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. He emphasized that Hungary is at a crucial juncture regarding its constitutional future, underscoring the importance of defending these democratic principles during this critical period.