Magyar announces constitutional amendment — Sulyok remains stubborn in office

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar is continuing his confrontation with President Tamas Sulyok – and is resorting to drastic measures. Magyar announced on Monday that he would change the constitution to remove Sulyok from office, after the latter refused to comply with the Prime Minister's ultimatum.

Sulyok, a long-time confidant of former long-time ruler Viktor Orbán, rejected Magyar's call for resignation. The President still has until 2029 in office and apparently sees no reason to vacate his position. Magyar called Sulyok an "Orbán puppet" and made clear that he is not willing to accept this state of affairs.

Constitutional amendment with parliamentary majority

The threat of a constitutional amendment is a sign of Magyar's determination – and his political strength. The Prime Minister has a two-thirds majority in parliament, which is necessary to change the Hungarian constitution. This gives him the legal means to implement his plan.

The conflict is part of Magyar's broader strategy to eliminate Orbán's influence from all power centers in the country. Magyar had promised to carry out an institutional change that would free the country from Orbán's control. The removal of the President is a symbolically important step – it would show that Magyar is willing to change the rules of the game to achieve his political goals.

Although Sulyok has remained steadfast so far, the announcement of a constitutional amendment is likely to put considerable pressure on him. With a two-thirds majority behind him, Magyar has the means to make good on his threat. The question now is whether Sulyok will give in or whether Magyar will actually take the constitutional route – a step that would further escalate the political crisis in Hungary.