In a dramatic display of political opposition, thousands gathered outside Sándor Palace on Thursday for a demonstration organized by Fidesz and KDNP against what they describe as the ‘construction of a Tisza-party dictatorship’ and the attempted removal of President Tamás Sulyok from office.
The protest, titled ‘Stop Tyranny’, featured former President János Áder as the keynote speaker, who delivered a stark warning that the proposed constitutional amendments by the Tisza government represent nothing less than ‘the destruction of Hungary’s rule of law.’
Áder, who served as Hungary’s president between 2012 and 2022 under successive Orbán governments, drew historical parallels to Hungary’s darkest political moments. He recalled the forced resignations of Prime Minister Ferenc Nagy in 1947 and President Zoltán Tildy in 1948—both compelled by communist pressure.
‘Nearly 40 years ago, I entered the political arena, participated in the opposition roundtable, and became a member of the first freely elected parliament precisely so that such events could never happen again,’ Áder declared to the packed gathering that filled the square between Sándor Palace and surrounding buildings.
The former president explained his decision to speak at the demonstration by stating that ‘democracy is under threat,’ and that Hungary’s current president is once again being targeted for removal through unconstitutional means.
Áder launched a scathing critique of the proposed constitutional changes, arguing they would create legal chaos rather than security. ‘The planned constitutional amendment means the destruction of Hungary’s rule of law,’ he asserted. ‘It will not lead to legal certainty but to anarchy. After this, anything could happen to anyone at any time in Hungary.’
Specifically, Áder accused Tisza party leader Péter Magyar of attempting to unlawfully remove the sitting president through unconstitutional methods, restrict voting rights, arbitrarily discriminate among constitutional court justices over the age of 70, and eliminate the constitutional protection of Hungarian land and national assets.
The former president emphasized that the head of state can only be removed through impeachment proceedings, but argued that President Tamás Sulyok has committed no legal violation, leaving the Tisza parliamentary faction without any grounds to initiate such action. Áder warned that any president succeeding Sulyok would lack authority and would be unable to represent national unity. ‘If Tamás Sulyok is a puppet, then what would his successor be?’ he questioned.
‘If Tamás Sulyok is a puppet, then what would his successor be?’
The former president also criticized the proposed 12-year limit on parliamentary mandates, arguing it would prevent a significant portion of current opposition representatives from seeking re-election. Addressing what he termed the ‘visible deterioration of public discourse’, Áder cautioned that verbal aggression spreading through social media could escalate into physical violence. ‘We must stop now!’ he urged. He accused those in power of attempting to spread fear, but delivered a message to the ‘new holders of power’: ‘We are not afraid to speak the truth, to expose lies, to protest against constitutional violations, verbal violence, intimidation, stigmatization, and abuse of power.’
Quoting the Fundamental Law, Áder reminded the crowd that ‘everyone is entitled and obligated to legally act against efforts to acquire or exclusively possess power through force.’ He concluded his address by asking: ‘Why are we here?’ and answering with the words of Ferenc Kölcsey: ‘Homeland above all.’
Bertalan Havasi, Fidesz’s communications director, addressed the gathering, stating that they stand for constitutionality, legality, Hungarian democracy, freedom, and President Sulyok. However, he demanded that the president also stand with them and the constitutional order. Havasi expressed confidence that the president ‘will not surrender to an ordinary tyrant,’ will not resign, and will not sign any unconstitutional decision or legislation—’not even one concerning himself. There is no need to fear the pocket dictator or his traitorous, bought servants,’ Havasi declared.
While acknowledging they may currently lack numbers, he insisted they have purpose and righteousness on their side. He urged the crowd not to fear the prime minister, ‘the turncoats, those wandering in darkness, the two-thirds majority, the police knocking at dawn, or algorithms.’ In a stark warning, Havasi proclaimed: ‘There will be no reconciliation, no compromise, no constructiveness. Nothing will be forgotten, everything will be recorded, everything will be settled’—echoing a previous speech by former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Gábor Szűcs, a Fidesz parliamentary representative, declared that the government’s constitutional amendment would introduce ‘unprecedented tyranny’ that every right-thinking Hungarian—including Tisza supporters—must reject.
The event also featured right-wing influencer István Szakács, who was released by police Wednesday morning following an investigation for threatening to commit a terrorist act. Influencer Elizabeth Tóth also spoke, claiming evidence exists that the Tisza government plans to settle migrants in Hungary and promising to make this information public.
Several Fidesz and KDNP politicians appeared at the event, including KDNP President Zsolt Semjén, who was greeted from the stage. The demonstration was broadcast live on Fidesz’s Facebook page and Viktor Orbán’s page, though the former prime minister did not personally appear at the event. He later expressed gratitude to participants on Facebook, writing: ‘Go Tamás Sulyok! Long live János Áder!’
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