Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok has voiced strong opposition to the proposed 17th Amendment to the nation’s Fundamental Law, expressing concerns that it could erode the separation of powers and weaken the rule of law. The president highlighted that the amendment might enable the ruling majority to more easily remove the head of state and leaders of other autonomous institutions, thereby heightening political influence over constitutional bodies.
Sulyok pointed out that if enacted, the amendment would result in the immediate termination of the current president’s term and could also impact the Constitutional Court by reintroducing a 70-year age limit for its judges. Additionally, the amendment proposes a 12-year term limit for parliament members, which could prevent certain legislators from running for re-election.
The president argued that these changes pose a significant threat to Hungary’s constitutional democracy and breach essential democratic principles, such as judicial independence and the separation of powers. He emphasized the importance of considering the Venice Commission’s opinion to address the constitutional contention in a manner consistent with democratic and legal standards.
In a call to action, Sulyok urged political leaders and public figures to champion the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. He underscored the urgency of the situation, describing it as a pivotal moment for the future of Hungary’s constitutional framework.