President Sulyok Publicly Rejects PM Magyar's May 31 Resignation Ultimatum

On May 18, Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok publicly and formally rejected Prime Minister Péter Magyar's demand that he resign by May 31, 2026. In an interview with Index.hu, Sulyok stated: 'There is currently no legal reason or constitutional justification that could justify my resignation. I remain faithful to my oath.' The announcement sets up a direct constitutional confrontation: Sulyok's presidential term runs until 2029 and can only be ended by voluntary resignation, incapacitation, or a parliamentary impeachment vote requiring a two-thirds supermajority — which Tisza holds (141/199 seats). Magyar had demanded the resignation in his inauguration speech on May 9, citing Sulyok's role as Constitutional Court President during the years when that institution was used to insulate Fidesz-era policies from judicial review. Fidesz, meanwhile, launched a counter-petition supporting Sulyok's retention in office; Viktor Orbán personally signed it. Legal analysts were divided: some argued Magyar's public pressure on a constitutional officer was itself a norm violation; others contended parliamentary supremacy entitled the new majority to seek institutional renewal through legitimate channels. With Sulyok's rejection confirmed, the Magyar government must now decide whether to initiate a formal parliamentary removal process or accept Sulyok's continuation through his 2029 term.