In a sharp rebuke, former Hungarian President János Áder has condemned a legislative proposal to oust President Tamás Sulyok, labeling the move a “constitutional coup” that could destabilize Hungary’s legal framework. Áder expressed his concerns during a podcast, asserting that personal political conflicts should not serve as a basis for legal actions against the president. He emphasized that Hungary’s constitution mandates that a president can only be removed via an impeachment process, which would require a two-thirds majority in parliament and evidence of constitutional or legal infractions.
The contentious proposal, known as the 17th amendment to Hungary’s Fundamental Law, would compel President Sulyok to vacate his position immediately upon its enactment. Áder criticized this measure, arguing it circumvents the established constitutional impeachment procedure and constitutes retroactive legislation, which he deems unconstitutional. He underscored that the accusations against Sulyok, which pertain to his alleged inadequate responses to political disputes, are essentially political grievances rather than legitimate legal violations warranting his removal.
Áder forewarned that bypassing the constitutional impeachment process through such an amendment would erode the presidency’s legitimacy and weaken the rule of law in Hungary. He emphasized that any successor appointed under these circumstances would likely encounter challenges regarding their constitutional legitimacy and their ability to effectively symbolize national unity.
The former president’s remarks highlight the potential constitutional crisis that could arise from the proposed amendment. By framing the situation as a threat not only to the current presidency but also to the broader constitutional order, Áder seeks to rally support for adherence to legal procedures enshrined in the national constitution. His critique underscores the broader implications of political maneuvers that challenge established democratic norms.