Thousands of supporters of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán gathered in Budapest on Thursday to protest against opposition plans to remove President Tamás Sulyok from office. The demonstration, organized by the ruling Fidesz party and its Christian Democratic People's Party (KDNP) ally, took place in front of the Sándor Palace, the presidential residence.
Former President Addresses Crowd
Former Hungarian President János Áder, a close ally of Orbán, addressed the crowd, denouncing the proposed constitutional amendment that would allow Sulyok's removal. “This attack on the presidency is an attack on the democratic institutions of Hungary,” Áder said, according to the Associated Press. The protest comes after opposition parties submitted a bill to amend the basic law, aiming to oust Sulyok, whom they accuse of failing to uphold the constitution.
Political Context and Tensions
The move to remove Sulyok has deepened political tensions in Hungary, where Orbán's government has faced criticism from the European Union over rule-of-law issues. Sulyok, a former judge, was elected president in March 2025 after his predecessor, Katalin Novák, resigned amid a scandal over a presidential pardon. The opposition argues that Sulyok has been too compliant with Orbán's policies, undermining the presidency's independence.
Protesters carried signs reading “Defend the Constitution” and “Hands Off Our President,” while Fidesz lawmakers condemned the opposition's plan as a power grab. The rally drew an estimated 10,000 participants, according to local media reports.
Impact and Next Steps
The constitutional amendment requires a two-thirds majority in parliament, which the opposition does not currently hold. However, the debate has further polarized Hungarian politics, with Orbán accusing the opposition of destabilizing the country. The protest signals that Fidesz is mobilizing its base ahead of potential early elections or a referendum on the issue. The European Commission has not commented on the specific proposal but has reiterated its call for respect of democratic processes in Hungary.
