Hungary's President Has Constitutional Tools to Defend Himself Against Peter Magyar’s Threats

Peter Magyar could become the first prime minister to commit a constitutional violation already before taking office, Bela Pokol wrote. The former constitutional court judge said the head of state can also turn to the Constitutional Court.

He added that if the prime minister considers the head of state unfit, he may initiate removal proceedings in the National Assembly under Article 13 of the Fundamental Law, with specific justification.

Without this, however, general political attacks in public could likely be unconstitutional, which would ultimately be determined by the Constitutional Court.

According to Bela Pokol, the head of state could initiate such proceedings immediately after the inaugural session on May 5. If the Constitutional Court finds a violation, it could set a precedent: in that case, Peter Magyar could become the first prime minister to have committed a constitutional violation already as a nominee.

Cover photo: Peter Magyar (Photo: Krisztian Mate)