Hungarian President Signs Own Mandate-Ending Amendment

Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok has enacted a constitutional amendment that curtails his own term in office, signing the 17th amendment to the Fundamental Law. This new legislation stipulates that the president's mandate concludes the day after the constitutional modification takes effect.

In a video message released on social media, Sulyok explained his decision, stating that the president does not possess the constitutional power to refer such amendments to the Constitutional Court for substantive review. Consequently, he lacks legal recourse to contest the current amendment, even if it potentially conflicts with certain constitutional principles. He asserted that by signing the law, he fulfilled his obligation under the Fundamental Law after careful consideration of legal options and his conscience.

"My signature represents the final act of my presidential duty and a sign of my full respect for the institution of the president, under all circumstances," Sulyok declared. The amendment was spearheaded by the government of Prime Minister Peter Magyar, leader of the TISZA (Respect and Freedom) party. This pro-European, anti-corruption, center-right party secured a two-thirds majority in the April elections.

Sulyok, who was elected president in 2024 by the Hungarian Parliament with the backing of the Fidesz-KDNP majority formerly led by Viktor Orban, has faced criticism from the new government regarding his perceived closeness to the previous regime. In Hungary, the president is elected by Parliament for a five-year term, rather than by direct popular vote.

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My signature represents the final act of my presidential duty and a sign of my full respect for the institution of the president, under all circumstances.