• Hungary's PM Péter Magyar aims to remove President Tamás Sulyok through constitutional amendments.
• Sulyok has been labeled as a "puppet" of former PM Viktor Orbán and has refused to resign.
• Magyar claims Sulyok's inaction has undermined the unity and democratic integrity of Hungary.
• The president’s role, while largely ceremonial, includes critical functions such as approving legislation.
• The situation poses a potential constitutional clash, impacting Hungary's political landscape and EU relations.

Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced plans to amend the constitution to remove President Tamás Sulyok, a move that follows Sulyok's refusal to resign. This comes after Magyar's party, Tisza, won a two-thirds majority in the April elections, enabling significant changes to the political framework established by former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who ruled for 16 years. Magyar characterized Sulyok as Orbán's "puppet," stating he should not occupy the presidency any longer, as he does not represent the unity of Hungary. He indicated the process to legally remove Sulyok would take about a month, according to Reuters.

During a news conference, Magyar emphasized that Sulyok's role, although primarily ceremonial, is essential for the functioning of the government, as it includes signing legislation and the ability to send bills to the Constitutional Court for review. He criticized Sulyok for not acting when the previous government made controversial decisions, including "dehumanizing statements" regarding political opponents and the clampdown on LGBTQ+ events. These failures, according to Magyar, necessitate a reevaluation of the presidential office to restore its respect and effectiveness in protecting the nation's interests, reports Al Jazeera and Los Angeles Times.

In the backdrop of this political struggle, Sulyok remains resolute in his position, aiming to complete his term until 2029. He has publicly rebuffed Magyar's calls for resignation, stating that these demands threaten both the constitutional framework and Hungary's democratic integrity. His office released a statement asserting that the current government risks deepening societal divisions through these actions. This political standoff could also jeopardize the unlocking of much-needed EU funds, which are contingent upon improvements in Hungary's democratic practices during and after Orbán's regime. As such, an ongoing legal assessment from the Venice Commission is sought to address the constitutional implications of the current crisis, as mentioned by BBC.