Delegation of the Venice Commission visits Hungary on Thursday

On Thursday, a delegation from the Venice Commission will visit Hungary to provide its assessment on a constitutional amendment proposed by the government. The amendment aims to remove Sulyok Tamás from his position as President of the Republic. This development has sparked significant interest both domestically and internationally, given the high-profile nature of the constitutional changes and their potential implications for Hungary's political landscape.

The Venice Commission, an advisory body on constitutional matters within the Council of Europe, plays a crucial role in evaluating whether proposed legal reforms align with European standards of democracy and rule of law. According to information obtained from the commission’s spokesperson, the group will review the government's proposal to move Sulyok from his post. The commission's opinions are not binding but carry considerable weight in shaping public discourse and policy decisions.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced last week that he had invited the Venice Commission to participate in discussions regarding the constitutional reform. He expressed willingness to engage in dialogue about the broader changes affecting the country's legal framework. While the exact agenda of the delegation's meetings in Budapest remains unclear, the Presidential Office confirmed that Sulyok is prepared to meet with members of the commission.

This visit follows a series of developments related to Sulyok's tenure. In late May, Sulyok approached the Venice Commission after being repeatedly urged by Prime Minister Orbán to step down from his position. Shortly thereafter, Sulyok wrote that the commission was handling the matter under urgent procedures. However, the specific reasons behind his request and the arguments presented to the commission were not disclosed, even when requested through a public data access procedure.

Prime Minister Orbán announced during a speech earlier this week that the government would initiate proceedings to terminate Sulyok's mandate as President of the Republic through a constitutional amendment. The draft legislation submitted for public consultation outlines the removal of Sulyok in straightforward terms: "On the day following the entry into force of the Seventeenth Amendment to the Fundamental Law, the current President of the Republic shall cease to hold office." According to the proposal, once the current president's term ends, the National Assembly will elect a new President of the Republic, who will serve for a maximum period of five years until the new Constitution comes into effect.

The Venice Commission has previously been involved in reviewing several constitutional issues in Hungary, including matters related to judicial independence and media freedom. Its involvement in this particular case highlights the international community's interest in ensuring that Hungary's constitutional reforms adhere to democratic principles. The commission's evaluation could influence how the proposed changes are perceived both within Hungary and abroad.

Reactions to the upcoming visit have varied. Supporters of the government view the constitutional changes as necessary steps toward strengthening national sovereignty and reducing external interference in domestic affairs. Critics, however, argue that the amendments could undermine the separation of powers and weaken checks and balances within the Hungarian political system. The outcome of the Venice Commission's review will likely shape the debate surrounding these proposals and may affect their eventual implementation.

As the delegation prepares to arrive in Hungary, all eyes are on the discussions that will take place between the commission and Hungarian officials. The findings and recommendations of the Venice Commission will be closely watched by both domestic stakeholders and the international community. What emerges from these talks could determine the trajectory of Hungary's constitutional reforms and their alignment with European democratic norms.