Hungarian Parliament Decides on Presidential Removal
In a significant political development, the Hungarian parliament has voted to remove President Tamás Sulyok from office. This move follows the recent ascendancy of Prime Minister Péter Magyar's Tisza party, which gained a decisive majority in April’s elections, unseating the long-standing Fidesz party led by Viktor Orbán.
Constitutional Amendment Sparks Controversy
The Tisza party leveraged its two-thirds majority to pass the 17th amendment to the constitution, effectively ending the term of President Sulyok and the head of the Constitutional Court, Péter Polt. This amendment has been a point of contention, with Sulyok having five days to either sign the amendment or refer it to the Constitutional Court. Should he choose the latter, Prime Minister Magyar has indicated he will initiate impeachment proceedings, which would automatically suspend Sulyok from office.
The opposition Fidesz party, now in minority, staged a walkout during the vote, accusing the Tisza party of establishing a tyrannical regime. They argue that the amendment grants the government excessive power to remove public officials without due process.
Historical Irony and Political Shifts
Péter Rona, a former opposition presidential candidate, remarked on the irony of the situation, noting that Fidesz is experiencing the consequences of its own governance model established in 2011. During its tenure, Fidesz reshaped state institutions and filled them with loyalists, a strategy now being used against them.
The amendment also includes provisions that remove judges from the Constitutional Court who are over 70 and prevent deputies with three terms from seeking re-election, affecting many Fidesz members.
Reactions and Future Implications
Former Supreme Court head András Baka expressed support for the removal of Sulyok, criticizing Fidesz's past actions of centralizing power and undermining independent institutions. He also had reservations about the amendment’s restriction on parliamentary re-elections, viewing it as limiting public choice.
Since the election, Fidesz has been in disarray, with Viktor Orbán maintaining a low profile and not taking his parliamentary seat. His absence has been a source of frustration within the party, leading to internal unrest. Notably, Gergely Gulyás, a prominent Fidesz figure, resigned from his leadership position within the parliamentary group.
The 17th amendment proposes a series of laws intended to guide the country until a new constitution is established, anticipated within the next few years. This legislative package reflects a significant shift in Hungary's political landscape following the electoral defeat of Fidesz.
Source: Original Article
