President of the Republic Tamás Sulyok of Hungary has signed the 17th amendment to the Fundamental Law, officially enacting the constitutional change that will, among other things, bring his own presidency to an end. The announcement was made in a video posted on his Facebook page on Saturday, 18 July.
Under the amendment, Sulyok’s term as President of the Republic will conclude on 20 July, one day after the constitutional changes take effect.
In his video message, Sulyok explained that the President of the Republic has no constitutional authority to refer the substance of constitutional amendments to the Constitutional Court for judicial review. As a result, he said he had no legal means to challenge the amendment despite believing it violates constitutional principles.
‘I have no constitutional means to challenge this amendment, which violates constitutional principles but was adopted by the National Assembly—the body empowered to amend the Constitution—through a lawful procedure,’ he stated.
Sulyok added that, after carefully considering both his legal options and his conscience, he had decided to fulfil his constitutional duty by signing the amendment.
‘I am fulfilling my obligation as set forth in the Fundamental Law—after carefully weighing my legal options and my conscience. My signature is the ultimate seal of my obligations as President of the Republic and of my complete and unconditional respect for the office of the President of the Republic under all circumstances.’
Sulyok served as the President of the Constitutional Court from 2016 to 2024. In 2024 he was elected as the President of the Republic of Hungary by the National Assembly following the resignation of his predecessor, President Katalin Novák.
Related articles:
At a time when public debate is increasingly polarized and superficial, Hungarian Conservative remains committed to depth, intellectual honesty, and independent conservative thought.
Producing high-quality journalism requires resources. Your contribution helps us expand our coverage, reach new audiences, and keep our content accessible.
Please consider supporting our mission.
