President Tamás Sulyok of Hungary has voiced strong opposition to the proposed 17th Amendment to the nation’s Fundamental Law, expressing concern that it might erode the separation of powers and compromise the rule of law. The president’s criticism centers on the potential for this amendment to ease the process by which the governing majority could oust the head of state and leaders of other autonomous institutions, thereby heightening political influence over constitutional bodies.
According to Sulyok, one immediate consequence of adopting the amendment would be the termination of the current president’s term. Additionally, it could impact the Constitutional Court by reintroducing a 70-year age limit for its members. The proposal also seeks to establish a 12-year term limit for members of parliament, which could hinder several current lawmakers from running for re-election in the future.
The president has expressed his belief that the proposed amendment poses a threat to Hungary’s constitutional democracy by infringing upon essential democratic principles such as judicial independence and the separation of powers. He has urged legislators to take into account the insights of the Venice Commission, a respected advisory body, to resolve the constitutional disagreement in a manner consistent with democratic and legal norms.
Sulyok has also made an appeal to political leaders and public figures, urging them to uphold the values of democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. He described the present situation as a pivotal moment for the constitutional future of Hungary, highlighting the urgency of safeguarding these foundational principles.