The Sándor Palace reacted to the amendment to the Basic Law on the removal of the President of the Republic

The Hungarian government has announced plans to initiate a constitutional amendment aimed at removing President Katalin Novák from her position, according to reports. The proposal, which was put forward as part of a broader legislative initiative known as "Operation Purge," outlines a mechanism for ending the current president's term and replacing her with someone who would embody national unity. This move comes amid growing political tensions and debates over the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches of government.

According to the proposed amendment, once the changes to the Basic Law take effect, the current president’s mandate will automatically terminate. The document states that following this termination, the National Assembly will have the authority to appoint a new head of state for a period of up to five years until the revised constitution becomes fully operational. If the current president does not sign the amendment into law, she could face removal proceedings under existing legal frameworks. In such a scenario, the National Assembly speaker would temporarily assume the role of head of state before a new candidate is elected.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán made the announcement during a parliamentary session, emphasizing the need for a leader who can represent the nation’s unity. He stated that the process would likely conclude within a month, with the current president stepping down around July 20. Orbán also indicated that efforts would be made to elect a successor quickly, ideally before August 20. The prime minister expressed confidence that a suitable candidate could be nominated who would gain support from both governing and opposition factions.

The proposed constitutional change has drawn significant attention from various stakeholders. The presidential office has responded to inquiries about the matter, stating that while the president currently refrains from commenting on the proposal, she remains committed to upholding the principles of the rule of law. She has issued warnings against arbitrary exercise of public power and cautioned against the unrestricted use of powers granted by the two-thirds majority in parliament. These remarks highlight concerns about potential overreach and the implications of altering the constitutional framework without broad consensus.

Political analysts suggest that the proposed amendment reflects a strategic effort to consolidate power within the ruling party. By initiating the removal of the current president, the government aims to ensure that the next head of state aligns more closely with its policy agenda. However, critics argue that such a move could undermine democratic institutions and raise questions about the legitimacy of the process. They emphasize the importance of maintaining checks and balances to prevent the concentration of power in a single entity.

As the situation unfolds, several key developments remain uncertain. The National Assembly must formally approve the amendment, which requires a two-thirds majority. Opposition parties have yet to respond publicly, but their stance will be crucial in determining whether the proposal gains enough support to proceed. Additionally, the legal ramifications of the current president’s refusal to endorse the amendment could lead to further complications, including potential challenges in court or the initiation of formal removal procedures.

In the coming weeks, the focus will shift toward the legislative process and the potential nomination of a new president. The government has pledged to expedite these steps, aiming to finalize the transition well ahead of the projected deadline. Meanwhile, the debate surrounding the constitutional amendment continues to unfold, with implications for Hungary’s political landscape and the future direction of its governance structure.