Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar has unveiled an ambitious plan for a sweeping constitutional reform that aims to reshape the nation’s political and judicial systems. During a parliamentary session, Magyar outlined his government’s intention to draft a new constitution that would impose a 12-year term limit for parliamentarians, overhaul the judiciary, and modify the appointment process for senior state officials. One of the most contentious aspects of the proposal is a constitutional amendment that would terminate President Tamás Sulyok’s tenure prematurely, enabling the parliament to appoint a new president ahead of the end of his current term.
The reform package also includes significant changes to the leadership structure of Hungary’s Constitutional Court. These changes would allow judges to once again elect the court’s president and reinstate a retirement age cap of 70. These proposed reforms are likely to affect several prominent figures from the opposition Fidesz party, which previously governed Hungary under Viktor Orbán’s leadership. Critics contend that the measures could potentially displace experienced opposition legislators from parliament, thereby undermining the nation’s institutional checks and balances.
According to Magyar’s administration, the reforms are designed to bolster accountability, combat corruption, and modernize the political framework of Hungary. A key component of this initiative is the establishment of a National Asset Recovery Office, which will be tasked with investigating and reclaiming public assets that were allegedly misused by past governments. The government is also contemplating a referendum to seek public consent for the changes, although Hungarian law stipulates that such a vote is only binding if at least half of eligible voters participate.
Opponents have raised concerns that these constitutional changes could be a strategy for the government to consolidate power and sideline political adversaries. Conservative constitutional scholars caution that any asset recovery operations must observe due process, uphold property rights, and maintain judicial oversight to prevent violations of constitutional protections. Meanwhile, proponents argue that the introduction of stronger anti-corruption measures and term limits is crucial to enhancing political accountability and restoring public confidence in state institutions.
The proposed constitutional reforms are poised to ignite significant debate within parliament and among legal experts, as Hungary considers one of the most notable constitutional overhauls in recent history.