Hungary's President to Resign Under New Constitutional Amendment

Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok, an ally of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, announced he will sign a constitutional amendment that effectively removes him from office. The change, passed by parliament on Monday, is part of Prime Minister Péter Magyar's agenda to dismantle the influence of Orbán and his allies.

In a Facebook video, Sulyok criticized the amendment but stated his commitment to the constitution. "I will therefore fulfill my obligation under the constitution, after carefully considering my legal options and my conscience," he said. His departure marks a significant step in Magyar's push for a "regime change" after Orbán's 16-year tenure.

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I will therefore fulfill my obligation under the constitution, after carefully considering my legal options and my conscience.

Magyar, who secured a landslide victory in April, accused the unpopular president and other officials of being Orbán's puppets. Orbán's Fidesz party, ironically, demonstrated against the amendment last week, calling it autocratic – a criticism often leveled against Orbán himself during his time in power. Human Rights Watch also expressed concerns, noting the changes "resemble the Fidesz era."

Sulyok's final day will be Sunday, as his term concludes at midnight under the revised constitution. Magyar welcomed the president's decision, stating that "the last obstacle to our common decisions coming into force has been removed."

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the last obstacle to our common decisions coming into force has been removed.