Hungarian President Rejects Calls to Resign

Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok has rejected calls to resign, saying his departure would not resolve the country’s institutional dispute, the Hungarian news outlet 24.hu reported.

In a video posted on social media, Sulyok said there was no legal or constitutional reason for him to step down and argued that the president and the government must work together, despite political differences, to ensure the functioning of the state and respect for the constitution.

The president was responding to repeated calls from Prime Minister Peter Magyar, who has demanded the departure of several officials linked to the previous Fidesz government, including the head of state. Magyar said that if Sulyok did not resign by the end of May, he would visit him and the justice minister on Monday.

Sulyok said the prime minister had issued unilateral demands and instructions to him, which he described as unusual in relations between constitutional institutions.

At the same time, the head of state said he would not obstruct the work of the government or legislative steps needed to unlock European funds. He cited his signing of legislation confirming Hungary’s continued membership of the International Criminal Court (ICC) as an example of institutional cooperation.

Hungary’s parliament voted on 27 May to remain in the ICC, reversing a withdrawal initiated under former Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government. Magyar had pledged to halt the process before it became effective.

Magyar reacted sharply, accusing Sulyok of failing during his time in office to defend the rule of law and the citizens. He also noted that former presidents retain a range of state benefits after leaving office, including a salary, a company car and an office.

(max)