Magyar Threatens President with Impeachment

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar has threatened to launch proceedings to remove President Tamas Sulyok from office unless he resigns voluntarily.

Following a meeting with the head of state on Monday, Magyar said that if Sulyok maintains his current position, the ruling Tisza party will immediately begin the legislative process required to remove him. According to the prime minister, the procedure could take about a month.

Magyar, whose party won April’s parliamentary election, has repeatedly accused Sulyok of failing to represent national unity and of serving the interests of former Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Sulyok, who was elected president in 2024 with the backing of Orban’s Fidesz party, has rejected calls to step down.

The prime minister also signaled plans to use his constitutional majority to amend legislation and remove officials whom he believes have contributed to undermining the rule of law and democratic institutions.

Fidesz condemned Magyar’s move as an unlawful ultimatum and stressed that the president is serving a legitimate term that runs until 2029.

Although the Hungarian presidency is largely a ceremonial office, the head of state can delay legislation by returning bills to parliament or referring them to the Constitutional Court.

(reuters, bak)