In a forceful critique, former Hungarian President János Áder has condemned efforts to remove current President Tamás Sulyok, labeling the move a “constitutional coup.” Áder warned that such an action would breach Hungary’s constitutional framework, emphasizing the importance of adhering to established legal processes for removing a sitting president.
Áder’s comments, made during a podcast appearance, highlighted his stance that political disagreements should not justify legal actions against the president. He stressed that Hungary’s constitution outlines a clear impeachment process that requires a two-thirds parliamentary majority and concrete evidence of constitutional or legal violations for a president’s removal.
The controversy centers around a proposed 17th amendment to Hungary’s Fundamental Law, which would mandate Sulyok’s immediate departure from office once enacted. Áder criticized this approach as bypassing the constitutional impeachment process, arguing that it effectively constitutes unconstitutional retroactive legislation.
Addressing accusations against Sulyok, Áder dismissed claims of inadequate responses to political controversies as mere political criticisms rather than legal infractions warranting removal. He cautioned that altering the presidency through a constitutional amendment rather than through the legal impeachment process could erode the presidency’s legitimacy and weaken the rule of law in Hungary.
Áder further expressed concern that any president appointed under such circumstances would face challenges regarding their constitutional authority and ability to embody national unity. He underscored the potential for ongoing questions about the legitimacy of the presidency if the traditional legal processes are not observed.