Hungary's President Signs Law Ending His Own Term as New Government Accelerates Orbán Era Overhaul

Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok on Saturday signed a constitutional amendment ending his own term in office, formally concluding a prolonged political standoff with the government of Prime Minister Péter Magyar , who came to power after defeating long serving leader Viktor Orbán in April's landslide parliamentary election. The move marks a significant step in the new administration's efforts to dismantle institutions established during Orbán's 16 years in power.

Magyar had repeatedly urged Sulyok, an Orbán appointee elected in 2024, to resign, accusing him of failing to uphold constitutional checks on the previous government's actions. After Sulyok refused, Parliament, where the ruling Tisza Party holds a two thirds majority, passed the amendment by 139 votes to six , while Orbán's Fidesz party boycotted the vote. The legislation cited a "serious loss of confidence" in the president as the basis for ending his tenure.

Although Sulyok criticised the amendment as a blow to democracy, the rule of law and the separation of powers, he said he was constitutionally obliged to sign it. His term will end at midnight on Monday, after which Parliament Speaker Ágnes Forsthoffer will serve as acting president until lawmakers elect a successor within 30 days.

The amendment also introduces judicial reforms, establishes an office to investigate alleged financial abuses under the Orbán government, imposes a 12 year term limit for lawmakers , and sets a retirement age of 70 for Constitutional Court judges , accelerating the restructuring of key state institutions.

Since assuming office in May, Magyar's government has suspended the news service of Hungary's public broadcaster, abolished the Sovereignty Protection Office and pledged to restore democratic institutions and strengthen Hungary's ties with the European Union. Orbán condemned the amendment as "tyranny", while Magyar said the reforms fulfilled key election promises and restored safeguards weakened during the previous administration.