Tisza Party's tactics: How the government may bypass campaign promises

Hungary's ruling Tisza Party, spearheaded by Péter Magyar, faces accusations of sidestepping a core campaign promise: the importance of public consultation. Critics allege the party is using a legislative loophole to push through significant reforms without engaging the public.

The strategy involves submitting key proposals, including constitutional amendments and changes to public media operations, as individual representative motions. Under Hungarian law, government-submitted bills require mandatory public consultation, but individual motions are exempt. This approach allows the Tisza Party to bypass this process, drawing sharp criticism from opposition figures and potentially undermining transparency.

One notable instance involves the proposed "Lex Sulyok," aimed at impeaching President Tamás Sulyok. While Magyar had previously called for the president's resignation, the party's program has been vague on the matter. The proposed impeachment is expected to be submitted as an individual motion, mirroring the "Lex Orbán" tactic used previously. Melléthei-Barna Márton, a member of the parliamentary committee on justice and constitutional affairs, offered a non-committal response when asked if he would submit the "Lex Sulyok," stating, "We are not aiming for 'Lex Sulyok' nor to impeach the head of state."

Similar concerns are being raised regarding the planned overhaul of public media. While Minister for Social Relations and Culture Tarr Zoltán has stated that changes will adhere to laws and the constitution, and that a public consultation will be initiated, critics point to a lack of concrete action. Vona Gábor, president of the Second Reform Kor party, has also voiced criticism over the absence of public consultation in the Tisza Party's plans for public media reform. Despite promises of transparency, the party's actions suggest a pattern of avoiding public engagement on critical issues.

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We are not aiming for 'Lex Sulyok' nor to impeach the head of state.