Péter Magyar gives Tamás Sulyok an ultimatum to resign voluntarily or face constitutional proceedings, as a power struggle escalates in Budapest.
Hungary’s Prime Minister, Péter Magyar, has said he will initiate impeachment proceedings against President Tamás Sulyok in parliament if the president refuses to step down voluntarily.
Speaking to reporters, Magyar said he would brief the parliamentary group of the ruling Tisza party on his proposals, after which lawmakers would immediately begin the necessary procedures.
The prime minister recalled that under the country’s Fundamental Law, several options exist for stripping the head of state of their powers. Should it prove necessary, he added, MPs would submit proposals for constitutional amendments to force Sulyok’s departure.
Sulyok has so far refused to resign in response to Magyar’s demand. Instead, the Hungarian president asked the Venice Commission for a legal assessment of the dispute.
Earlier, Magyar called on the Hungarian leader to leave office voluntarily. Following a meeting with the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, the prime minister criticised Sulyok and reminded him that if he did not agree to resign, the new government could attempt to remove him on its own.
