Prime Minister Péter Magyar said Hungary had entered a new constitutional era after parliament approved the 17th amendment to the Fundamental Law with a two-thirds majority on Monday, describing the vote as the fulfilment of the mandate given by voters in April.
Péter Magyar held a press conference after the vote
Speaking at a press conference in parliament after the final vote, Péter Magyar said the amendment marked the beginning of the legal dismantling of what he called the “Orbán system”. He announced that a broader constitutional process would begin in early September, lasting several months and inviting the participation of citizens from across Hungary.
According to the prime minister, the amendment introduces several key institutional changes. It ends the current president’s mandate, places limits on the concentration of political power, strengthens the independence of the Constitutional Court, and creates the constitutional basis for the National Asset Recovery and Protection Office, which will oversee the recovery of public assets.
Magyar said the government was carrying out promises made during the election campaign, insisting it had received a “clear and unambiguous mandate” from voters. He added that further priorities included opening historical secret service files, securing the release of additional EU funds and ensuring more efficient use of public resources.
They will try to find the best candidate
The prime minister also addressed the future of President Tamás Sulyok, arguing that the head of state now had two constitutional options: resign voluntarily or sign the amendment within the five-day deadline required by law. Any other course of action, Magyar said, would violate the Fundamental Law and could lead to impeachment proceedings, with the speaker of parliament assuming the role of interim president.
Turning to the selection of a new head of state, Péter Magyar said the government is seeking a consensus candidate for the office of the President of the Republic, who embodies national unity and is acceptable to everyone. While the governing Tisza Party would nominate its own candidate, discussions would also be held with other parliamentary groups.
He said the ideal president should be committed to democratic values, willing to defend vulnerable groups and prepared to take moral positions even against their own political allies. Magyar also reiterated his personal support for introducing direct presidential elections as part of the wider constitutional reform.
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The prime minister said the forthcoming constitutional review would last around a year and would encourage public debate on previously untouchable issues. He argued that citizens, not only constitutional experts or politicians, should help shape Hungary’s future constitutional framework.
Commenting on recent political developments, Magyar claimed that former ruling party Fidesz was showing signs of internal disintegration, referring to Gergely Gulyás’s resignation as parliamentary group leader. He also dismissed concerns over the Venice Commission’s delayed opinion on the constitutional changes, saying the body understood the challenges involved in restoring the rule of law after what he described as years of democratic backsliding.
