Péter Magyar (L) is attacking the system of checks and balances with his bullying attitude towards President Sulyok (R).
Newly elected liberal Prime Minister Péter Magyar issued an ultimatum, setting a deadline of May 31 for the head of state to resign. In an interview with Index, President Tamás Sulyok responded to the question of whether he would comply with this demand.
Asked about the slanderous expression “regime change” used by Tisza party officials to describe the result of the April 12th elections, he responded by saying that “Hungary underwent a regime change in 1990, when the country dismantled the one-party dictatorship. Since then, a democratic constitutional state has been in place in accordance with our constitution, and governments change—or do not change—in parliamentary elections, depending on the results. Now, a change of government has taken place.”
He described the moment Péter Magyar first presented his demand for his resignation, saying that Magyar emphasized his position on why he should resign. “I simply replied that I see the matter differently. I pointed out that our task at the moment is not to discuss this, but to prepare for the inaugural session.” The president went on to highlight that the categories of “incompetence” and “unworthiness” that the new prime minister has brought up against him are not included in the Hungarian Constitution.
These are political value judgments, and—as such—I do not wish to comment on them, because it is not my business to deal with political opinions. The Constitution does not recognize such categories”
– he added.
In certain cases, it may be a legitimate political demand to rethink a constitutional institution that has essentially operated in an unchanged form for thirty-six years, the president continued. The constitutional status of the Hungarian president has undergone only minor modifications since the change of regime. “I have now found myself in the crosshairs of this intent to reinterpret: through my person, the very institution of the presidency itself,” Mr. Sulyok said.
He also pointed out that there is currently no legal or constitutional basis that could justify his resignation. “I understand that there are social and political intentions aimed at redefining the powers of the President of the Republic, but there is no constitutional justification for my resignation. I remain faithful to my oath, and as long as the exercise of my office is not rendered impossible, I intend to fulfill the mandate I have undertaken,” he pointed out.
Péter Magyar continues his series of deliberate provocations against the president. However, his latest affront—aimed at keeping @DrTamasSulyok out of group photos with the new ministers, has backfired.https://t.co/Gc0LO1oW1Z
— Hungary Today (@HungaryToday) May 15, 2026
Magyar informed President Sulyok of his intention to redefine the office of the President of the Republic, yet the president replied by saying that there is no historical precedent for this in Hungary. But of course, with a constitutional majority the new government can make changes. It is very important, however, that such a process be carried out with proper preparation, President Sulyok emphasized.
Asked about the petition, signed by over 100,000 citizens, launched in support of his remaining in office, he merely replied: “I believe that freedom of expression exists in Hungary.”
Magyar’s argument for demanding his resignation was that he did not speak out on certain issues. President Sulyok’s response was that, given his legal position, these are not the kind of arguments that would justify a president—if he wishes to remain faithful to his oath—resigning. “In fact, it became clear here as well that the basis of our difference of opinion is a strong political demand for a constitutional reinterpretation of the office of President of the Republic, while I carry out my duties within the current legal and constitutional framework,” he explained.
When asked what will happen after May 31 if he does not step down from his office, with his customary dry humor he replied: “June 1 will come.”
Via Index.hu; Featured Image: Facebook/ Dr. Sulyok Tamás
