Several senior constitutional officeholders appointed during Viktor Orbán’s tenure could see their mandates curtailed ahead of schedule through what Péter Magyar described as “creative” means, under reforms he unveiled on Monday. The prime minister said Hungary could have a new president of the republic by 20 August, the national holiday, while a new constitution may be in place by next summer.
New president before 20 August
Magyar stated that Hungary would “certainly” have a new head of state before the national day. Under the Fundamental Law, parliament must elect a successor within 30 days of the previous president’s term ending; however, he argued there was no need to wait out the full deadline, the Hungarian news agency wrote.
The government is seeking a candidate capable of embodying national unity and who might even attract opposition backing. Magyar noted that one-fifth of MPs can nominate a presidential candidate, allowing opposition parties to put forward their own. Election, however, requires a two-thirds majority—one comfortably within reach for Magyar’s Tisza party, which secured 141 seats in April’s parliamentary elections.
Prosecutor general expected to resign
Magyar said he expects the prosecutor general to step down shortly, adding that he believes this will indeed happen. Should that not materialise, he indicated the government would revisit the question of how to remove him.
Responding to questions at a press conference following his remarks in parliament on Monday, the prime minister confirmed the issue may be linked to the so-called “gold convoy” case, though he declined to provide details, saying these would be disclosed by the prosecutor general.
He added that if Gábor Bálint Nagy does not resign, the government will return to the question of how he might be dismissed.
Changes at the Constitutional Court
As part of a constitutional amendment announced on Monday, the government would restore to Constitutional Court judges the right to elect their own president.
It would also reintroduce an upper age limit of 70 for judges. Magyar said this could affect four or five current members of the court, including Péter Polt.
The prime minister suggested the court could have a new president by September, while Polt—appointed under Orbán’s two-thirds majority—could lose his immunity.
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More departures possible
Magyar also revealed that discussions had already taken place with the government parliamentary group regarding the leadership of several state institutions, including the Competition Authority, the National Media and Infocommunications Authority, and the State Audit Office.
No decisions have yet been taken. The government intends first to pass the 17th constitutional amendment, after which it will assess the situation of the institutions concerned.
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