"Hungary does not belong to Tamas Sulyok or Viktor Orban. This country does not belong to any political party or system. The constitution clearly states that the president represents national unity and safeguards the democratic functioning of the state," Peter Magyar, leader of the Tisza Party, announced on 1/6.

Magyar did not specify which constitutional amendments would be implemented to dismiss the president.

The announcement followed a meeting between Magyar and President Sulyok at the Presidential Palace. Magyar stated that the president remains resolute in not resigning. Consequently, he will instruct Tisza Party lawmakers to immediately initiate the "necessary procedures" for the head of state's removal, a process that could take about one month.

Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok (center) reviews a military honor guard at an event on 15/3 in Budapest. Photo: AFP

Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok (center) reviews a military honor guard at an event on 15/3 in Budapest. Photo: AFP

Magyar and the Tisza Party secured a landslide victory in the election last April. With a two-thirds majority in parliament, the new governing coalition can enact extensive changes to the political system established by Orban during his 16 years in power.

Following his election, Magyar repeatedly urged President Sulyok, who is backed by Orban's party, to resign or face impeachment through constitutional measures. Magyar had previously set a 31/5 deadline for Sulyok to vacate his office.

Although largely ceremonial, the Hungarian president is responsible for signing laws and has the authority to refer bills passed by parliament to the constitutional court for review. Supporters of the new government are concerned Sulyok could use this authority to obstruct their agenda.

Magyar accused President Sulyok of failing to fulfill his responsibilities on several issues. For instance, he reportedly remained silent when former Prime Minister Viktor Orban made disparaging remarks against political opponents and critics, and when the previous government passed a law banning LGBTQ+ community events.

"It is beneficial for Hungary that this institution, the presidential office, regains the credibility eroded by silence and passivity," he said.

In a video posted on Facebook on 1/6, Gergely Gulyas, leader of the Fidesz parliamentary group, opposed the forced dismissal of the president. "If this is the path the new government's majority chooses, then it can be affirmed that they are abusing the power entrusted to them," he stated.

President Sulyok's office issued a statement on 29/5, asserting that Magyar's calls for resignation "negatively affect the constitutional operations and prestige of the presidential institution." The statement indicated that Sulyok has requested the Venice Commission, a legal expert body of the Council of Europe, to provide a legal assessment of this confrontation.

Thanh Danh (According to AP)