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Hungarian President signs bill allowing his own removal
🇩🇪 Germany /Elections & Politics

Hungarian President signs bill allowing his own removal

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok has signed a constitutional amendment that allows for his own removal from office.
  • The move follows a threat from Prime Minister Péter Magyar to initiate impeachment proceedings if Sulyok did not comply.
  • The parliamentary speaker will temporarily assume presidential duties until a new head of state is elected by parliament within 30 days.

Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok has officially paved the way for his own removal from office by signing a constitutional amendment. This action comes after Prime Minister Péter Magyar had issued an ultimatum, threatening impeachment if the president did not sign the legislation within five days.

In a video posted on Facebook, Sulyok acknowledged the controversial nature of the amendment, stating he saw no alternative but to sign it. He explained that after weighing his legal options and conscience, he felt compelled by the constitution to proceed. The Hungarian Parliament had previously voted in favor of the amendment on Monday.

Prime Minister Magyar confirmed that Sulyok's signature was received, and the presidential office will become vacant starting next Monday. In the interim, Parliamentary President Ágnes Forsthoffer will temporarily hold the presidential powers. Hungary's president is elected by the parliament, which has 30 days to choose a successor.

After weighing his legal options and conscience, he felt compelled by the constitution to proceed.

— Tamás SulyokExplaining his decision to sign the constitutional amendment that enables his removal.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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