Orbán’s Shadow Fades: Hungary’s New Government Takes Aim at a Loyalist Regime

The Hungarian parliament’s vote to remove President Tamás Sulyok from office marks a significant turning point in the country’s post-Orbán era. The move, spearheaded by Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s Tisza party, is part of a broader package of constitutional reforms aimed at dismantling the authoritarian state built by Viktor Orbán over the past 16 years.

At its core, this development reflects the power dynamics at play in Hungarian politics. With their two-thirds majority, the Tisza party has been able to push through the 17th amendment to the constitution, effectively ending Sulyok’s term and paving the way for new leadership at both the presidential and judicial levels.

Orbán’s own future is also being called into question. His absence from public life since his electoral defeat in April is raising eyebrows, particularly among his own party members. Gergely Gulyás, Fidesz’s number two, has resigned as head of the parliamentary group, further weakening a party struggling to come to terms with its new status.

The removal of Sulyok and Constitutional Court head Péter Polt marks an attempt by Magyar’s government to reset Hungary’s institutions. The 2011 constitution, written under Orbán’s watch, enshrined the principle that “the winner takes all” – a notion used to justify the consolidation of power and erosion of democratic checks and balances.

András Baka, former head of the Supreme Court, has spoken out against the 17th amendment, arguing that it limits the public’s right to vote for whom they wish. His comments highlight the complexity of this issue: while the Tisza party’s actions may be seen as a necessary corrective to Orbán’s regime, they also risk perpetuating problematic dynamics.

Hungary is now navigating an uncertain landscape, where Magyar’s government must rebuild trust and restore democratic norms. The path ahead will likely be fraught with challenges, including further polarization and instability. How Magyar chooses to handle these issues – particularly the question of whether to pursue impeachment proceedings against Sulyok or allow him to resign – will have significant implications for Hungary’s future.

Orbán’s decision to leave the country to watch the World Cup finals in the US is telling, given his party’s struggles to come to terms with its new status. One wonders whether this marks the beginning of the end of an era or simply a tactical maneuver designed to buy time.

Hungary’s international relationships are also at stake. The European Union has expressed concerns about Magyar’s government’s commitment to democratic values and the rule of law. As tensions between Brussels and Budapest continue to simmer, Hungary’s future will be shaped by a delicate balance of domestic politics and external pressures.

In the coming weeks and months, further developments in this saga can be expected. Magyar’s government has indicated that it intends to push through reforms aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and promoting transparency – but how these efforts will be received by the European Union and other international partners remains uncertain. Will Hungary’s new government be able to navigate EU politics without losing its footing?

The removal of Sulyok from office marks a significant turning point in Hungarian history, but whether this moment represents an opportunity for real change or simply another step towards authoritarianism remains to be seen – one thing is certain, however: Hungary’s future will be shaped by the choices made by its leaders in the coming months and years.