Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok has voiced strong criticism against a proposed 17th Amendment to the nation’s Fundamental Law, expressing concerns that it poses a threat to the separation of powers and the rule of law. Sulyok warned that the amendment could facilitate greater political control over constitutional bodies by allowing the governing majority to more easily remove the head of state and leaders of other independent institutions.
One of the amendment’s immediate consequences, according to President Sulyok, would be the termination of the current president’s term if the proposal is enacted. Additionally, the amendment seeks to reinstate a 70-year age limit for members of the Constitutional Court, which could significantly impact the court’s composition. The proposal also introduces a 12-year term limit for members of parliament, a move that could prevent several current lawmakers from running for re-election.
The president argued that these proposed changes threaten Hungary’s constitutional democracy by violating core democratic principles such as judicial independence and the separation of powers. He emphasized the importance of considering the opinion of the Venice Commission, suggesting this could aid in resolving the constitutional impasse in accordance with democratic and legal norms.
President Sulyok made a call to action for political leaders and public figures to uphold and defend the values of democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. He described the present situation as a pivotal moment for the future of Hungary’s constitution, underscoring the urgency of protecting democratic principles during this critical period.