Hungarian PM Moves to Remove President Sulyok

Hungary's new prime minister, Péter Magyar, has announced plans to amend the constitution to remove President Tamás Sulyok after the head of state refused to resign.

Get today's headlines by email

Magyar had pledged to replace Sulyok and other senior officials appointed during the rule of former prime minister Viktor Orbán. Following his landslide election victory in April, he renewed calls for the president to step down and set a deadline of 31 May for his resignation.

Sulyok, who became president in February 2024 with the backing of Orbán's Fidesz party, has repeatedly rejected those demands and insists he will complete his five-year term.

President Refuses to Resign

The dispute intensified on Monday after a meeting between the two men failed to produce a breakthrough.

Sulyok again refused to leave office, warning that the growing constitutional confrontation could deepen political divisions and damage Hungary's democratic reputation abroad.

Magyar has accused the president of acting in the interests of the previous government rather than serving as an impartial head of state. In a post on X, he criticised Sulyok for failing to defend vulnerable people, the rule of law and those facing political attacks.

Fidesz has condemned Magyar's efforts, describing his demand for the president's resignation as an "unlawful ultimatum".

Parliament Holds the Key

Magyar's Tisza party secured a two-thirds majority in parliament in April's election, giving it the power to amend Hungary's constitution.

The government is expected to use that authority to dismantle parts of the political system established during Orbán's 16 years in power. Magyar said the process of removing Sulyok could take about a month.

Although Hungary's presidency is largely ceremonial, the office retains several important powers, including approving public appointments and referring legislation back to parliament or to the constitutional court, potentially delaying government reforms.

On Monday, Sulyok continued to carry out presidential duties, announcing a number of military appointments on Facebook.

EU Funding and Future Reforms

The president warned that the political standoff could jeopardise efforts to unlock billions of euros in European Union funding that had been withheld over concerns about democratic standards under the Orbán government.

However, the EU indicated last week that reforms proposed by the new administration could clear the way for Hungary to receive €16.4 billion in funding.

Sulyok assumed office following the resignation of former president Katalin Novák, who stepped down amid controversy over the government's handling of a child sex abuse scandal.

Meanwhile, Magyar's government has proposed another constitutional amendment that would limit any future prime minister to a maximum of eight years in office, a move aimed at preventing a return to lengthy periods of rule such as Orbán's.

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 2 June 2026