Hungary Strengthens President’s Position Ahead of 2026 Elections

DW
DW
3m ago • 1 views
Hungary passed a bill to reinforce the president's position by requiring a two-thirds parliamentary majority to remove the president, ahead of key 2026 elections.
Hungary Strengthens President’s Position Ahead of 2026 Elections
A What happened
In a significant parliamentary decision, Hungary has introduced a constitutional amendment that reinforces the president's role by changing the required threshold to remove a sitting president from a simple majority to a two-thirds supermajority. This amendment, passed with 134 votes in favor, strengthens the presidency of Tamas Sulyok, a former constitutional court head and ally of Prime Minister Viktor Orban. While the presidency is mainly ceremonial with veto powers over legislation, the change aims to close legal gaps that could otherwise allow abuse. This development comes ahead of the April 2026 parliamentary elections where opposition leader Peter Magyar’s TISZA party currently leads polls, challenging Orban’s long-standing grip on power. The amendment could have significant implications for Hungary's political landscape, emphasizing the president's role as a constitutional safeguard amid an evolving electoral climate.
★

Key insights

  • 1

    Constitutional Change Requirements: The bar for declaring the Hungarian president unable to fulfill duties has shifted from a simple majority to a two-thirds supermajority in parliament, ensuring greater protection for the office.

  • 2

    Presidential Role Strengthened: Although largely ceremonial, the president holds veto and constitutional referral rights, which gain importance with the new legal protections amidst political competition.

  • 3

    Political Context: The change occurs ahead of crucial 2026 elections where opposition gains threaten the ruling Fidesz party, highlighting strategic parliamentary maneuvers to safeguard political allies.

  • 4

    Opposition Perspective: Peter Magyar’s TISZA party views this legislation as a sign of Fidesz’s fear of electoral defeat and a method to lock in power advantages.

Takeaways

Hungary's recent constitutional amendment bolstering the presidency marks a pivotal moment in the nation's political environment. With the 2026 elections on the horizon and rising opposition strength, this legislative move both protects incumbent powers and signals significant shifts in governance dynamics. The balance between ceremonial duties and constitutional influence embodied by the presidency may shape Hungary's political trajectory in the coming years.

Topics

World & Politics Elections Governance Corruption & Accountability

Read the full article on DW