Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok has raised concerns over a proposed 17th Amendment to the nation’s Fundamental Law, cautioning that it poses a threat to the separation of powers and the rule of law. He warned that the amendment, if enacted, would make it easier for the ruling majority to dismiss the head of state and other leaders of independent institutions, thereby heightening political control over key constitutional bodies.
Sulyok highlighted that the proposal includes provisions that would effectively terminate the current president’s term immediately upon its adoption. Additionally, it seeks to alter the composition of the Constitutional Court by reintroducing a 70-year age limit for its members. The amendment also proposes a 12-year term limit for members of parliament, which could prevent several lawmakers from running for re-election.
The president argued that these proposed changes could jeopardize Hungary’s constitutional democracy by undermining fundamental democratic principles such as judicial independence and the separation of powers. He urged lawmakers to take into account the perspective of the Venice Commission to address this constitutional issue in a manner that aligns with democratic and legal standards.
Furthermore, Sulyok called on political leaders and public figures to stand up for the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. He characterized the current situation as a pivotal moment for the future of Hungary’s constitutional framework.