In a social media post, Sulyok stated, “I am fulfilling my obligation under the Fundamental Law after carefully considering my legal options and conscience. Yet, this act stands as evidence that the core values of a free society — the rule of law, democracy, and the principle of the separation of powers — have been sacrificed for political power.”
Sulyok had a five-day window to sign the amendment, surprising many Hungarians — including Magyar — who anticipated he would refuse. He could have referred the amendment to Hungary’s Constitutional Court. Although Sulyok claimed the amendment was unconstitutional for targeting him, the court couldn’t rule on its constitutionality due to a 2013 amendment by Orbán, restricting the court to only assess procedural violations.
The amendment also restores a mandatory retirement age of 70 for all Constitutional Court judges, causing the removal of four current justices, including its controversial president, Péter Polt.
“If this could be done to the president of the republic, then tomorrow no one will be safe,” Orbán remarked on social media. “God protect Hungary!” The former prime minister left the country earlier this week to attend the World Cup final in the U.S.
Sulyok’s statement warned of the end of the rule of law in Hungary and stated the president “will no longer serve as any kind of check or balance.” Magyar argued that Sulyok himself oversaw significant rule of law abuses under Orbán, asserting his removal was needed to restore it.
Magyar commented after Sulyok’s decision, “With Tamás Sulyok’s signature, the last barrier to our joint decisions taking effect has been lifted. We are returning to the Hungarian people what the Orbán regime attempted to take away: the assurance that power can be limited.”
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