Hungary is on the brink of a significant constitutional transformation, as Prime Minister Péter Magyar has unveiled plans for sweeping changes that could alter the nation’s political and judicial framework. The proposed reforms include introducing a 12-year term limit for members of parliament, restructuring the judiciary, and modifying the appointment process for senior state officials. A particularly contentious element of the proposal is a constitutional amendment that would terminate President Tamás Sulyok’s term early, enabling parliament to choose a new president before Sulyok’s current term concludes.
Further changes are set to affect the leadership of Hungary’s Constitutional Court. The government plans to restore the power of judges to elect the court’s president and reintroduce a retirement age limit of 70. These reforms are likely to impact senior figures from the opposition Fidesz party, which has long been a dominant force in Hungarian politics under former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Critics warn that these measures could lead to the removal of seasoned opposition lawmakers and undermine critical checks and balances in the political system.
According to Magyar’s government, these changes aim to enhance accountability, curb corruption, and modernize the political system. As part of this initiative, a National Asset Recovery Office will be established to investigate and reclaim public assets reportedly misused by previous administrations. Although the government is considering putting the reforms to a public vote through a referendum, the law requires at least half of eligible voters to participate for the vote to be binding.
Opponents of the proposed constitutional overhaul argue that the government is leveraging these changes to consolidate power and target political adversaries. Conservative constitutional experts caution that any asset recovery efforts must respect due process, property rights, and judicial oversight to prevent potential violations of constitutional protections. Nonetheless, supporters assert that implementing stronger anti-corruption measures and term limits is essential for boosting political accountability and restoring public confidence in state institutions.
The proposals are set to spark heated debates in parliament and among legal scholars, as Hungary considers one of the most consequential constitutional reforms in its recent history. The outcome of these discussions will be pivotal in shaping the future landscape of Hungarian governance.