Hungarian president signs constitutional amendment ending own mandate

President Tamás Sulyok signed the 17th constitutional amendment on Saturday, officially ending his mandate as head of state. The amendment will take effect the day after it is published in the official Hungarian Gazette.

The change was adopted earlier this week by the Tisza‑led parliament, which secured a two‑thirds majority. It removes Sulyok’s mandate and triggers a succession process, with Speaker Agnes Forsthoffer assuming interim duties until a new president is elected.

Media additions

Sulyok, who was elected in March 2024 after the resignation of Katalin Novák, had a five‑year term that would have ended in March 2029. The amendment ends that term immediately.

In a video statement, Sulyok said he had “no constitutional means of acting against this amendment, which violates constitutional principles but was adopted by the National Assembly (parliament) ... Through a lawful procedure.”

Prime Minister Peter Magyar welcomed the signing, saying the amendment had “removed the last obstacle to implementing our joint decisions.” He added that the “moral basis of the nomination can only come from the trust of society.”

The amendment also introduces a 12‑year term limit for lawmakers and a retirement age of 70 for Constitutional Court judges, reshaping Hungary’s political landscape.

Under the constitution, Parliament must elect a new president by secret ballot within 30 days. Any Hungarian citizen aged 35 or older may stand for the office if nominated by at least one‑fifth of MPs, or 40 members. Only the governing Tisza Party and the 44‑member Fidesz group have enough MPs to nominate a candidate independently.

While the government describes the amendment as a temporary arrangement, critics say it is a step toward a new constitution that could introduce direct presidential elections. The former Constitutional Court judge warned that the reform has harmed the rule of law, saying that “by removing public office holders in a manner that openly violates the rule of law … it sets a negative precedent that inflicts a deep wound on the constitutional values of democracy, the separation of powers, and the rule of law.”

Former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán reacted on Facebook, stating that tyranny is no longer a threat but reality, and warning that if the president could be removed in this way, no one would be safe.

In the coming weeks, Hungary will need to navigate a complex succession process. The Speaker of Parliament will act as interim president, a new president will be elected by secret ballot, and the government has signalled that a new constitution may eventually be approved by referendum, potentially introducing direct elections for the head of state.

Timeline of events

• April 2024 – Viktor Orbán is ousted in an April election landslide.
• March 2024 – Tamás Sulyok is elected President by a Fidesz‑majority parliament.
• Early July 2026 – Parliament adopts the 17th constitutional amendment.
• 18 July 2026 – Sulyok signs the amendment; it is published in the Hungarian Gazette the following day.
• 19 July 2026 – Sulyok’s mandate ends; Speaker Agnes Forsthoffer assumes interim duties.
• Within 30 days – Parliament elects a new president by secret ballot.
• Future – Potential referendum on a new constitution that could introduce direct presidential elections.

What to watch next

• The parliamentary vote to elect a new president and the date of that election.
• Any legislative steps toward drafting a new constitution and the timetable for a referendum.
• Reactions from opposition parties and civil society groups to the changes.
• Economic and social policy shifts that may accompany the new constitutional framework.

Sources

• chinadaily.com.cn – “Hungarian president signs constitutional amendment ending own mandate”
• dailynewshungary.com – “BREAKING: Hungary’s President Sulyok signs constitutional amendment ending his own mandate”
• yahoo.com – “Hungary's president signs law change ending his term in office”