Hungarian President Sulyok Signs Amendment Ending His Term

Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok signed a constitutional amendment on Saturday, July 18, 2026, that formally ends his own term in office, a move he described as an abuse of political power that undermines the country's democratic foundations. The amendment, the 17th to Hungary's Fundamental Law, was passed by parliament on July 13 with 139 votes in favor and six against, and takes effect the day after its official publication.

In a video address announcing his decision, Sulyok said he signed the document to fulfill his constitutional duty, despite his profound disagreement. He characterized the amendment, which terminates his mandate with a single sentence, as a shameful historical example and an open attack on the rule of law and the independence of institutions. He argued that the presidency would cease to function as a system of checks and balances, becoming subservient to the executive branch.

The change is part of a sweeping series of constitutional reforms initiated by Prime Minister Péter Magyar's government, which secured a two-thirds parliamentary majority in elections on April 12, ousting former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The amendment also introduces a 12-year or...