Pressure Mounts on Hungarian President as New Prime Minister-elect Calls for Resignation

Péter Magyar, the newly elected Prime Minister of Hungary, has intensified calls for the resignation of President Tamás Sulyok shortly after his party's decisive victory in the parliamentary elections on April 12, 2026. Magyar's Tisza (Respect and Freedom) party ended Viktor Orbán's 16-year tenure, promising to address corruption and restore Hungary's relationship with the European Union. In a public statement, Magyar declared Sulyok "unworthy of representing the unity of the Hungarian nation" and "unfit to serve as a moral authority," indicating that Sulyok's resignation is a priority for his incoming administration.

The IndependentBrussels Signal

During a meeting at the Sándor Palace, Magyar stated that Sulyok would need to "consider" the request for resignation, which he described as otherwise amicable. However, Magyar threatened to leverage his party's parliamentary majority to amend the constitution and force Sulyok from office if he does not comply. This move is part of a broader strategy to dismantle the remnants of Orbán's influence, which Magyar characterized as a "puppet" regime.

The IndependentBrussels Signal

In addition to targeting Sulyok, Magyar announced plans to suspend the news service of state-funded media, which he labeled a "factory of lies." He criticized the media's role under Orbán, stating that it had become a tool for propaganda. Magyar emphasized the need for a new media law to ensure that state media serves its intended purpose of providing truthful journalism.

Brussels Signal

Magyar's administration aims to implement significant anti-corruption measures, including joining the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and restoring the independence of the judiciary. He also plans to nationalize assets that were transferred to business entities during Orbán's government, citing the need to redirect EU funds towards public welfare rather than benefiting oligarchs.

The Independent

Critics of Sulyok's presidency argue that he has contributed to the politicization of the Constitutional Court, undermining its independence and aligning it with Orbán's interests. Magyar's opposition to Sulyok is rooted in this perceived failure to uphold the rule of law and serve the Hungarian populace effectively.

The Independent

Magyar's administration has made it clear that the resignation of Sulyok is non-negotiable. He stated, “Following the formation of the new government, Tamás Sulyok must leave office immediately.” This sentiment underscores the urgency with which Magyar intends to pursue reforms and restore democratic norms in Hungary.

The Independent

• “Following the formation of the new government, Tamás Sulyok must leave office immediately,” — Péter Magyar, Prime Minister-elect

The Independent

• “What has been happening here since 2010 would have made even Goebbels or North Korean dictators blush.” — Péter Magyar, on state media

Brussels Signal

• “We will join the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, create a national asset recovery authority, and implement other anti-corruption measures.” — Péter Magyar

Brussels Signal

As Magyar prepares to take office, he aims to have his cabinet sworn in by mid-May, with a focus on rapidly implementing reforms to avoid losing approximately €10 billion in EU pandemic recovery funding before the August deadline. The political landscape in Hungary is poised for significant changes as the new government seeks to dismantle the legacy of Orbán's administration.

The Independent