Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar unveiled plans Monday to write a new constitution and oust several of Hungary’s top officials from his predecessor Viktor Orbán’s administration — including President Tamás Sulyok.
In a nearly hour-long speech to parliament, Magyar announced “Operation Purifying Fire” to root out what he called the “Orbán mafia.” The proposed reforms could result in the removal of Sulyok, as well as the head of the country’s Supreme Court and several current Constitutional Court judges. Magyar also announced his government would begin drafting a new constitution in September.
“We will free our country from the economic and political mafia,” Magyar said. “I consider this my main task.”
The constitutional amendment is the latest move in the fight between the prime minister and Sulyok. Magyar’s Tisza Party won an overwhelming parliamentary majority in April on a mandate to turn the page on Orbán, and Magyar promised on election night to oust Sulyok. The president has since vowed not to step down, turning to legal maneuvers to remain in office.
“If anyone asks why it is necessary to restore constitutionality and the rule of law in Hungary, why it is necessary to restore the credibility of the Office of the President of the Republic, and why a ‘purge’ is needed, here is the answer. Not only is Tamás Sulyok unable or unwilling to prevent a constitutional coup, he actually initiated one himself,” said Magyar.
Sulyok told POLITICO last week that the demand has sparked a “constitutional crisis.” A spokesperson for the president did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday.
Still, Magyar’s constitutional majority appears poised to push through the newest amendment.
The Hungarian government opened an online portal to collect public feedback regarding the legislation. The portal will remain open until July 27, suggesting the amendment won’t come to a vote before then.
Given the political pressure to oust Orbán appointees quickly, “Magyar will need to find a solution that does not resemble a defeat at the hands of … Sulyok” by “autumn at the latest,” constitutional lawyer Péter Techet said.
In his speech, Magyar also announced he would reintroduce a mandatory retirement age of 70 for the Constitutional Court, which is expected to force several current judges to step down. Further reforms include a 12-year term limit for lawmakers and the creation of a National Asset Recovery and Protection Office to prosecute corruption.
