Hungarian Politicians Trade Barbs Over Autocracy and Presidential Powers

Hungarian politician Bence Rétvári has accused Péter Magyar and his political movement of establishing a system where only their chosen individuals are allowed in public life. Rétvári stated that Magyar only tolerates those who are appointed at his request or by his political community.

“

Péter Magyar only tolerates those in public life whom he himself has chosen. He can only tolerate those whom his political community has placed there at his request.

In response, Gergely Gulyás, leader of the Fidesz parliamentary group, criticized the proposed restructuring of the presidential office. He argued that the changes would strip the role of its dignity, making it untenable for any serious individual to accept the position. Gulyás specifically condemned Magyar's accusations against former President János Áder, noting that these claims lacked any supporting evidence.

“

A serious person will not undertake to hold this title for an indefinite period – until the adoption of the next constitution – in the event of such removal of the head of state.

Gulyás further elaborated on the regulations governing benefits for former presidents, stating they have been in place since 1990. He pointed out that often, governments from opposing political sides have been responsible for providing these benefits to outgoing presidents. Therefore, Gulyás urged Magyar's party, if they wish to maintain any semblance of dignity, to refrain from attacking benefits that previous presidents also received.

“

The regulation regarding the benefits to which former heads of state are entitled has been in effect since 1990. Moreover, it has often been necessary for a government from a different political side to provide for the benefits of the outgoing president.

Csaba Bence, a state secretary for the Tisza party, also engaged in accusations rather than substantive responses. He claimed that Fidesz has spent the last 16 years building its own arbitrary rule. Bence asserted that Tamás Sulyok never fulfilled his presidential duties and that the Tisza party is acting precisely as it received authorization to do.

“

Fidesz has essentially done nothing else in the past 16 years but build its own arbitrary rule.