Constitutional Justice Sonnevend Declines Comment on Controversial Appointment

Constitutional Court Justice Pál Sonnevend has declined to comment on the controversial circumstances surrounding his appointment, deepening concerns about the nomination. Sonnevend, who also serves as a department head, published an article titled "Constitutional Repair!" on May 9th.

While the title suggests a general restoration, the article outlines specific interventions in the personal and organizational structures of public institutions. Sonnevend proposed reducing the Constitutional Court's size from 15 to 11 members, followed by the termination of all incumbent justices' mandates after a transitional period. He also suggested reinstating the age limit of 70, applying it retroactively to current justices, which would create four vacancies for the new parliamentary majority to fill.

Further proposals included examining the removability of the President of the Supreme Court (Kúria) with the involvement of the National Judicial Council. Sonnevend also suggested reforming the media authority and public media to restore pluralism, joining the European Public Prosecutor's Office, and shifting the chief prosecutor's nomination power to the justice minister. Additionally, he proposed altering election rules, fundamental laws, and guarantees for special legal orders.

Sonnevend confirmed to the newspaper that he stands by his Verfassungsblog publication. Although the legal technicalities differ slightly from his May proposals, the political outcome appears similar: an incumbent constitutional judge's term could be ended prematurely due to retroactively changed conditions. The Tisza faction has nominated Sonnevend as their candidate for one of the newly vacant seats.