Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok recently engaged in discussions with a Venice Commission delegation at Sándor Palace, focusing on constitutional issues that have arisen after the country’s elections. The Venice Commission, an advisory body of the Council of Europe on constitutional matters, was represented by its President Marta Cartabia, Director and Secretary Simona Granata-Menghini, and Austrian member Christoph Grabenwarter. The primary agenda of the meeting was the ongoing constitutional dispute concerning Hungary’s public institutions.
Back in May, President Sulyok sought the expertise of the Venice Commission to address the constitutional challenges facing Hungary. He formally requested their guidance to ensure that the country’s actions remain consistent with European constitutional principles. In response, the Venice Commission agreed to address the situation urgently and initiated consultations in Budapest to collect necessary information and insights.
The presence of the Venice Commission in Budapest signifies a significant step in resolving the constitutional tensions. President Sulyok has expressed confidence that the recommendations from the Commission will play a crucial role in maintaining Hungary’s constitutional integrity, aligning it with the broader standards set by European constitutional norms.
The involvement of the Venice Commission is seen as a positive development by the Presidential Office. The office has welcomed the Commission’s efforts, anticipating that their expert advice will help navigate the complexities of the constitutional dispute effectively, thereby safeguarding the constitutional order within Hungary.