Hungary's PM to amend constitution to remove Fidesz-appointed president

Magyar seeks constitutional change to remove Hungary’s president

Hungary’s government is preparing a constitutional amendment to remove President Tamás Sulyok, as Prime Minister Péter Magyar moves to replace officials appointed during Viktor Orbán’s 16 years in power. Magyar, whose Tisza party secured a two-thirds parliamentary majority in April’s election, has repeatedly called on Sulyok to step down, arguing that the president has failed to fulfil his constitutional duties. After meeting Sulyok at Budapest’s Sándor Palace, Magyar said the president had refused to resign and announced that lawmakers from his party would begin the “necessary procedures” to remove him.

While the Hungarian presidency is largely ceremonial, the officeholder signs legislation into law and can refer bills to the constitutional court for review. Magyar accused Sulyok of remaining silent on issues, including remarks made by Orbán about his political opponents and legislation passed by the previous government banning Pride. “It is in Hungary's interest that this institution regain the prestige that has been eroded by its silence and inaction,” he said. Fidesz caucus leader Gergely Gulyás criticised the move, saying that “in a constitutional democracy, it is not conceivable that a president is forcibly removed” before the end of their term. Last week, Sulyok’s office said Magyar’s calls for his resignation undermined both the constitutional functioning and authority of the presidency, adding that the president had sought a legal assessment from the Venice Commission.

Budapest Mayor: "Finally, Pride will be celebrated the way it is in a normal European country."

Budapest Pride will go ahead on 27 June, with Hungarian police saying they will not prevent people from attending the LGBT+ march. “The Budapest Metropolitan Police has approved the 2026 Budapest Pride Parade and also has issued restrictive orders in relation to three counter-demonstrations,” a police spokesperson said. Welcoming the decision, Budapest’s mayor, Gergely Karácsony, wrote on Facebook: “Freedom and love can’t be banned,” describing Pride as “the event of freedom-loving Hungarians”. He added, “Finally, Pride will be celebrated the way it is in a normal European country.”

The development follows an attempt by Viktor Orbán’s right-wing nationalist government to ban the event last year. In response, Karácsony organised the parade as a municipal event in an effort to circumvent the restriction. Last year’s march had a record high turnout, which turned into an anti-Orbán demonstration.

Vsquare: Maga circles exploring UN role for Orban

According to investigative outlet Vsquare, MAGA figures are working on securing a senior position for Viktor Orbán within the United Nations, with the specific role seen as less important than the diplomatic immunity such a post could provide. The extent of that immunity would depend on the position. Under the 1946 UN Convention on Privileges and Immunities, the Secretary-General, under-secretaries-general, and assistant secretaries-general receive diplomatic immunity equivalent to that of ambassadors, while lower-ranking officials enjoy more limited protection linked to their official duties.

The outlet's sources said Orbán could potentially count on support not only from the United States but also from Argentina’s president, Javier Milei, who, like JD Vance, visited him in Budapest before April’s election. The source noted that the contest to succeed António Guterres as UN secretary general is already underway, with Rafael Grossi, the Argentine head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, regarded as a leading candidate. Sources close to the former prime minister said that if political pressure in Hungary intensifies, he could remain in the US for an extended period, and that a UN position could offer what they described as a more graceful exit than seeking political asylum.