Budapest, June 1: Hungary’s Prime Minister Peter Magyar addressed the failures of President Tamas Sulyok on Monday and proposed a constitutional amendment to remove him from office.
During a press conference outside the Sandor Palace, Magyar stated, “Just as Viktor Orban has abandoned the people of Hungary, Tamas Sulyok has abandoned the Hungarian Republic.” Sulyok was appointed by Orban himself.
Magyar emphasized the importance of the presidential office, stating, “The office of the Republic’s president is more crucial and powerful than that of any head of state. It is in Hungary’s interest that the presidency regains the authority that has weakened due to recent years of silence, poor decisions, and mistakes.”
He informed that he has made it clear to President Sulyok that if he does not resign voluntarily, he will inform the Tisza members of Parliament about his decision and initiate the necessary procedures immediately.
According to Euro News, this statement followed a meeting with Sulyok. Magyar did not specify what kind of institutional reform the government is seeking but clarified that it would not be a law designed for a single individual but rather a framework that would allow the removal of other state leaders from office as well.
Magyar expressed his desire for the people of Hungary to have greater rights in electing their president. He stated, “The fundamental law is clear: the president of the republic represents the unity of the country and safeguards the democratic functioning of the state.” He elaborated on how Sulyok has failed to fulfill this role.
He noted that when former PM Viktor Orban spoke about bugs, major clean-ups, and a shadow army, Sulyok did not respond. When asked about Orban’s comments, Sulyok reportedly said they were merely political opinions and that there was no need to comment on the issue.
Earlier in May, Peter Magyar took the oath as Hungary’s PM after winning a parliamentary vote during the first session of the new National Assembly. According to the Xinhua news agency, out of 199 MPs, 195 voted, with 140 in favor, 54 against, and one abstention.
In his inaugural speech, Magyar stated that the new government has a mandate not only to change the government but also to transform the system, emphasizing reconciliation, democratic renewal, and national unity.