Hungary’s President Signs Amendment That Ends His Own Term as New Government Pushes Sweeping Political Changes 

Hungary entered a new political chapter this week after President Tamás Sulyok signed a constitutional amendment that will bring his own time in office to an early end. The unusual move placed the country’s highest-ranking official at the center of a major debate over democracy, constitutional power, and the future direction of Hungarian politics.

Sulyok’s decision came after lawmakers from Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s ruling Tisza party approved changes to Hungary’s Fundamental Law, the country’s constitution. The amendment does not simply adjust government rules. It directly affects the sitting president’s mandate and introduces several other institutional changes that supporters say are designed to rebuild public trust. 

For many Hungarians, the moment represents more than a leadership change. It reflects a larger political struggle over the legacy of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and the direction the country should take after a dramatic election shift.

A President Signs the Law That Removes Him From Office 

President Tamás Sulyok announced that he had signed the constitutional amendment on Saturday, July 18, 2026. The amendment means his presidential mandate will end after the law takes effect.

Sulyok, who became president in 2024 after being elected by lawmakers from Orbán’s Fidesz party, had previously rejected calls to step down. However, he ultimately signed the amendment, saying he was following his legal responsibilities under Hungary’s constitutional system.

In a publicly shared statement, Sulyok criticized the amendment and argued that removing a sitting president through a constitutional amendment created a dangerous precedent. He described the move as a serious moment for Hungary’s democratic institutions.

The president’s supporters argued that the amendment weakened the independence of the office. Meanwhile, the government defended the move as part of a broader effort to change institutions that it believes were shaped by the previous administration.

New Government Moves Quickly After Election Victory 

The constitutional change is one part of a wider reform campaign led by Prime Minister Péter Magyar and his Tisza party. The party won a strong parliamentary majority in April 2026, allowing it to push forward with major legal and political changes.

Magyar’s government has argued that Hungary needs a fresh start after years of rule under Viktor Orbán. Officials from the new administration say several state institutions became too closely connected to the previous government and need restructuring.  

The president’s removal became one of the most visible parts of this transformation. Magyar’s allies argued that Sulyok represented an earlier political era because he was elected by Fidesz lawmakers. The amendment stated that there had been a “serious loss of confidence” in the president.

However, critics of the reform have questioned whether changing constitutional rules to remove a sitting president could raise concerns that political power is concentrated in the hands of the current government.  

Hungary Introduces More Constitutional Changes 

The amendment does not only affect the presidency. It also includes several other changes involving government institutions and public officials.

One major change introduces a limit on parliamentary service. Lawmakers who have already served for a certain period or completed multiple terms will face restrictions on future elections. The reform sets a 12-year limit for parliamentary mandates.

The amendment also changes rules surrounding Hungary’s Constitutional Court. It introduces a 70-year age limit for constitutional judges, a move that affects some current members of the court.

Supporters of these changes say they will prevent long-term political control and strengthen accountability. The government has also backed the creation of a National Asset Recovery and Asset Protection Office as part of its broader reform agenda.

Temporary Leadership Begins as Hungary Searches for a New President 

With Sulyok’s term ending, Hungary will enter a temporary period before lawmakers select a new head of state. Parliament Speaker Ágnes Forsthoffer is expected to serve as interim president during the transition.

The Hungarian parliament will then elect a new president. According to reports, the replacement leader will serve until a new constitution comes into force, with a maximum period set by the amendment.

The upcoming selection process will be closely watched because the presidency carries symbolic importance in Hungary, even though many executive powers belong to the prime minister and government. The choice of a new president could show how the new administration wants to balance reform with institutional stability. 

A Political Battle Over Hungary’s Future 

The decision has deepened the divide between Hungary’s new government and supporters of Viktor Orbán’s former leadership. Orbán’s Fidesz party has strongly criticized the reforms, calling them an attack on constitutional democracy. 

Supporters of Prime Minister Magyar see the changes differently. They argue that the reforms are necessary to rebuild institutions and restore confidence after years of political conflict.

The debate reflects a larger question facing Hungary: how can a country reshape its institutions after a major political change while protecting democratic checks and balances? 

For ordinary citizens, the constitutional debate may seem distant compared with everyday concerns such as jobs, prices, and public services. But decisions about who controls government institutions can eventually affect how those issues are handled. 

Hungary Enters an Uncertain New Era 

President Sulyok’s signature created an unusual political moment: a leader approved the legal change that ended his own presidency. The event has become a symbol of the rapid changes taking place in Hungary after the election victory of Péter Magyar’s Tisza party.

The coming months will show whether the reforms bring the institutional renewal promised by the government or create new political tensions. As Hungary prepares to select a new president and continue its constitutional changes, the country remains focused on what its next chapter will look like. 

For now, one thing is clear: Hungary’s political landscape has changed dramatically, and the effects of this constitutional shift will likely shape the nation’s future for years to come.