Full Breakdown
“Stop Tyranny” Protest Targets President Tamás Sulyok’s Removal
7/10/2026, 4:34:44 PM
Core Demonstration in Budapest
On Thursday, several thousand supporters of Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party and its coalition partner the Christian Democratic People’s Party (KDNP) gathered outside the opulent Sándor Palace in Budapest’s Castle District. The rally, titled “Stop Tyranny,” was organized to oppose a constitutional amendment the new centre-right government plans to adopt next week that would terminate President Tamás Sulyok’s term and introduce term limits for parliamentarians and the prime minister.
Political Background and Proposed Amendment
After losing a snap election in April, former prime minister Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule ended, and his successor, Prime Minister Péter Magyar, began dismantling what he describes as Orbán’s “mafia.” Among the reforms is a constitutional change that would end Sulyok’s presidency, impose an eight-year limit on prime ministers, and create an authority to investigate alleged financial abuses by the previous administration. While the presidency is largely ceremonial, it holds the power to sign legislation and refer bills to the constitutional court, prompting concerns that Sulyok could block Magyar’s agenda.
Government Rationale and Actions
Magyar has repeatedly argued that Sulyok “failed to live up to his role as president by neglecting to stand in the way of antidemocratic steps” taken by the former government. He also cites the suspension of Hungary’s public television and radio—labelled a “propaganda factory” for Fidesz—and the unlocking of €16.4 billion in EU funds as evidence of rapid democratic reforms.
Opposition Voices and Criticism
Orbán’s camp frames the amendment as an “assault on the rule of law and democratic norms,” warning that it could usher in a dictatorship. Former President János Áder, speaking at the protest, warned that the change would amount to “the destruction of Hungary’s rule of law” and could lead to a situation where “anything could happen to anyone in Hungary at any time.” Fidesz lawmaker János Pócs defended the party’s past constitutional revisions, saying they were made “always in the interest of the country, in order to protect the country, but not for the sake of dictatorship.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “The point is not whether Tamás Sulyok is popular or not, but that this is simply unacceptable in a democracy,” — Krisztina Nemerkényi, protester
- “the destruction of Hungary’s rule of law” — János Áder, former president
- “anything could happen to anyone in Hungary at any time” — János Áder, former president
- “always in the interest of the country, in order to protect the country, but not for the sake of dictatorship.” — János Pócs, Fidesz lawmaker
