Hungarian Rights Groups Criticize Constitutional Changes

Two Hungarian human rights organizations have criticized a constitutional amendment proposed by the government of Prime Minister Peter Magyar, which calls for the removal of President Tamas Sulyok and the introduction of a 12-year term limit for members of parliament.

The Tisza Party, which replaced Viktor Orban's cabinet after 16 years in power, describes Sulyok as "puppet" of Orban. It claims the proposed changes are intended to help restore constitutional democracy and broaden representation in parliament.

Amnesty International Hungary said that the president has become unfit for office. However, it emphasized that removing him through impeachment would be fairer and more in line with international standards than amending the constitution.

Political scientist Gabor Torok criticized the plan to remove the head of state "with a one-sentence constitutional amendment". The Hungarian Civil Liberties Union said that introducing fixed terms for members of parliament is not an urgent issue and should be part of a broader constitutional revision.

Sulyok has repeatedly denied having a political agenda and maintains that, in his role, he ensures the necessary constitutional checks and balances.

(Reuters, bak)