Prime Minister Péter Magyar and the governing Tisza Party have revised a controversial constitutional amendment proposal after strong criticism from the opposition Fidesz over plans that would have removed references to the protection of Hungary’s “Christian culture” from the Fundamental Law.
The correction was announced during a meeting of parliament’s justice and constitutional affairs committee by Tisza politician Márton Melléthei-Barna, who said the amendment had been updated to make clear that the government only intends to abolish the Sovereignty Protection Office.
Under the revised wording, the constitutional passage concerning the protection of Hungary’s constitutional identity and Christian culture will remain unchanged, 444.hu writes.
Original proposal sparked political storm
The controversy began after Tisza submitted a constitutional amendment package last week that sought to remove the constitutional basis of the Sovereignty Protection Office.
However, the original proposal would have deleted two connected constitutional sentences together:
“The protection of Hungary’s constitutional identity and Christian culture is the duty of every organ of the state. An independent body established by cardinal law shall operate to protect constitutional identity.”
The second sentence serves as the constitutional basis for the Sovereignty Protection Office, while the first was introduced in 2018 during the former Fidesz government’s constitutional changes linked to migration policy and opposition to EU migrant quota schemes.
Opposition politicians from Fidesz quickly accused Tisza of attempting to weaken Hungary’s constitutional protections against migration by removing the “constitutional identity” clause alongside the Sovereignty Protection Office provisions.
Tisza insists Christian values were never targeted
Speaking before the committee, Melléthei-Barna rejected claims that the government intended to remove constitutional protections tied to Christianity.
“I do not believe anyone seriously thought I intended to act against Christian values. That was never the goal,” he said.
The revised amendment was formally submitted by Magyar in his role as an individual MP.
Beyond the Sovereignty Protection Office issue, the constitutional package also includes proposals to introduce an eight-year term limit for Hungarian prime ministers and create a legal path for dismantling public-interest asset management foundations, known as KEKVA foundations.
Orbán-linked term limit proposal creates debate
One of the most politically sensitive parts of the amendment package is the proposed limit of eight years in office for future prime ministers.
Opposition Fidesz politicians argue the measure is clearly aimed at former prime minister Viktor Orbán, who governed Hungary between 1998 and 2002 and again from 2010 until losing power in 2026 (20 years altogether).
Former justice minister Bence Tuzson argued during the committee session that the proposal amounts to retroactive legislation because it attaches legal consequences to a past political situation.
According to Tuzson, the proposal “seriously goes against every democratic principle” and is contradictory if presented as an effort to restore the rule of law.
Tisza rejects those accusations, insisting the amendment regulates future eligibility rather than punishing previous terms already served. Melléthei-Barna argued that Hungary’s own legislative framework allows future-oriented restrictions of this type.
Gulyás claims opposition forced Tisza retreat
Gergely Gulyás, parliamentary group leader of the opposition Fidesz party, portrayed the government’s correction as a political victory for his side.
“Nowadays every victory must be appreciated,” Gulyás wrote in a social media post, arguing that political pressure and nearly 40,000 protest signatures forced Tisza to backtrack.
According to Gulyás, the constitutional reference to Christian culture is not only symbolic but also forms part of the legal basis for Hungary’s migration policy.
“We do not know why they wanted to abolish it, but it is welcome that they have stepped back from this intention,” he added.
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