Hungary’s President Tamás Sulyok has expressed strong opposition to a proposed 17th Amendment to the country’s Fundamental Law, arguing that it poses a significant threat to democratic principles. According to President Sulyok, the amendment could weaken the separation of powers and compromise the rule of law by making it easier for the governing majority to dismiss the head of state and other leaders of independent institutions. This change, he warns, would result in increased political control over constitutional bodies.
The proposed amendment, if enacted, would lead to the immediate termination of the current president’s term. It also seeks to reinstate a 70-year age limit for members of the Constitutional Court, potentially altering its composition significantly. Furthermore, a 12-year term limit for members of parliament is included in the proposal, which could prevent several current lawmakers from running for re-election.
President Sulyok has voiced concerns that these changes could undermine Hungary’s constitutional democracy and breach essential democratic principles such as judicial independence and the balance of powers. He has urged lawmakers to take into account the opinion of the Venice Commission, a body offering advice on constitutional matters, to resolve the ongoing constitutional dispute in accordance with democratic and legal norms.
In addition to addressing lawmakers, President Sulyok has also called on political leaders and public figures to stand firm in defending the values of democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. He emphasized that Hungary is at a pivotal moment concerning its constitutional future, highlighting the importance of safeguarding these fundamental principles during this critical period.