President Sulyok Responds to Magyar's Threats, Rules Out Resignation

Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok has responded to threats from Péter Magyar, asserting that resignation is not a solution to the current institutional conflicts. Sulyok stated that he has responsibly considered the possibility of stepping down but concluded it would not adequately address the constitutional requirements for resolving the situation.

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I have responsibly considered the possibility of resignation, independent of the considerations of my personal life, and have come to the conviction that it would not provide a solution for resolving the institutional conflict in accordance with the constitutional expectations.

Sulyok expressed his belief that the expertise of the Venice Commission, an advisory body of the Council of Europe, can significantly aid in resolving the ongoing issues. He recently initiated their involvement for this purpose. The President also sought to dispel any assumptions that he would obstruct government objectives with his presidential powers, specifically mentioning the legislative process necessary for accessing EU funds.

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He believes that the expertise of the Venice Commission, operating alongside the Council of Europe, can provide effective assistance in resolving the situation, which he recently initiated.

He emphasized his profound respect for the government's efforts to protect Hungary's national interests and international standing. In line with this, Sulyok promptly signed the law restoring Hungary's accession to the International Criminal Court. He also highlighted that on his first day in office, March 5, 2024, he signed the document concerning Sweden's NATO accession, a process that had been delayed.

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I have, accordingly, immediately signed the law restoring our accession to the International Criminal Court, just as I also signed the document on Sweden's NATO accession without delay on March 5, 2024, the day I took office, the endorsement of which had been pending for a long time.

Looking forward, Sulyok expressed confidence in the development of a sound constitutional cooperation with the new National Assembly and the government. He also conveyed his hope that their strong democratic mandate will be coupled with a firm commitment to respecting constitutional values and the fundamental principles of the European Union.

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I trust in the full development of sound constitutional cooperation with the new National Assembly and the government. I also trust that their strong democratic mandate will be paired with a firm commitment to respecting our constitutional values and the fundamental values of the European Union.