Hungary's parliament has approved a constitutional amendment package that paves the way for the removal of President Tamas Sulyok while introducing sweeping changes to the country's political system.

Hungary's parliament approved the 17th constitutional amendment package, which includes provisions to end the term of President Tamas Sulyok.

The package was adopted by 139 votes to six in the 199-seat parliament.

Magyar defends constitutional reform

Prime Minister Peter Magyar described the amendment as a crucial step in dismantling the political and institutional system established during former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's years in power.

"Leaving this constitution untouched would have been a betrayal of the Hungarian nation," Magyar told parliament.

He also warned that if Sulyok fails to sign the amendment within five days, parliament will initiate impeachment proceedings against the president.

Opposition boycotts vote

Lawmakers from Orbán's Fidesz party and its coalition partner, the Christian Democratic People's Party (KDNP), boycotted both the parliamentary session and the vote.

According to the amendment, Sulyok's term will be terminated due to what lawmakers described as a "serious loss of public confidence."

New political reforms introduced

The constitutional package also reinstates a 70-year age limit for judges serving on the Constitutional Court.

In addition, it introduces a 12-year term limit for members of parliament.

Under the new rules, lawmakers who have served three terms or a total of 12 years will no longer be eligible to run in the next parliamentary election.

The amendment also requires parliament to elect a new president within 30 days after the constitutional changes enter into force.

Background to the amendment

Following his election victory on April 12, Magyar called on Sulyok to resign, accusing him of being "Viktor Orbán's puppet."

He warned that constitutional amendments would be introduced if the president refused to step down.

After Sulyok rejected the call to resign, Magyar submitted the constitutional amendment bill to parliament on July 5, including provisions to remove the president from office.

Magyar's Respect and Freedom Party (Tisza) won 141 seats in the 199-member parliament in the April 12 general election, securing the two-thirds majority required to amend the constitution. (ILKHA)