In a significant move that could redefine Hungary’s political and judicial framework, Prime Minister Péter Magyar has announced plans for a comprehensive constitutional overhaul. Addressing the parliament, Magyar revealed that his administration is in the process of crafting a new constitution. Key elements of this draft include imposing a 12-year term limit for parliamentary members, reforming the judiciary, and revising the procedure for appointing senior state officials.
A particularly contentious aspect of the proposed changes involves terminating President Tamás Sulyok’s term through a constitutional amendment. This move would pave the way for the parliament to select a new president before Sulyok’s current term concludes. Additionally, the government aims to modify the leadership structure of Hungary’s Constitutional Court. This includes reinstating the judges’ authority to elect the court president and reestablishing a retirement age limit of 70 years.
The proposed reforms are anticipated to affect several high-ranking figures linked to the opposition Fidesz party, which was led by Viktor Orbán for numerous years. Detractors suggest these measures could potentially remove seasoned opposition lawmakers from their positions and erode the balance of power within Hungary’s institutions. However, the Magyar administration contends that these reforms are designed to enhance accountability, curb corruption, and modernize the nation’s political system. As part of this reform initiative, plans are underway to create a National Asset Recovery Office, which will focus on investigating and reclaiming public assets allegedly misused by past governments.
The Hungarian government is also contemplating the possibility of a public referendum to approve these changes, though national law mandates that at least half of eligible voters must participate for such a referendum to be valid. Critics argue that these constitutional amendments may be a strategy for the government to consolidate power and target political adversaries. Conservative legal experts have cautioned that asset recovery efforts must strictly adhere to principles of due process, property rights, and judicial oversight to prevent any breach of constitutional safeguards.
Proponents of the reforms assert that implementing more robust anti-corruption measures and term limits are crucial steps towards enhancing political accountability and rebuilding public trust in governmental institutions. As Hungary stands on the brink of one of the most transformative constitutional reforms in its recent history, the proposals are expected to spark vigorous debate both within the parliament and among legal experts.