János Áder, the former president of Hungary, has vocally opposed a proposal to oust current President Tamás Sulyok, labeling the move a “constitutional coup” that threatens to disrupt the constitutional framework of the nation. During a podcast appearance, Áder stressed that political discord should not serve as grounds for legal actions against the president. He highlighted that Hungary’s constitution mandates a president’s removal only through an impeachment process, which necessitates a two-thirds majority in parliament and evidence of constitutional or legal breaches.
Áder’s comments were in response to the proposed 17th amendment to Hungary’s Fundamental Law, which would force Sulyok to vacate his office immediately once the amendment is enacted. According to Áder, this approach circumvents the constitutionally mandated impeachment process, essentially amounting to unconstitutional retroactive legislation. He dismissed claims that Sulyok’s handling of particular political disputes constituted failures, characterizing them as political critiques rather than legal infractions warranting removal.
The former president expressed grave concerns that such an amendment would not only sidestep established legal mechanisms but also undermine the presidency’s legitimacy and compromise the rule of law in Hungary. He cautioned that any president appointed under these circumstances might struggle with questions about their constitutional legitimacy and their ability to embody national unity.
Áder’s critique underscores the tension between political maneuvering and constitutional fidelity in Hungary’s governance. His warning highlights the potential consequences of bypassing traditional legal frameworks for political expediency, suggesting that it could erode public confidence in the presidency and broader democratic institutions.