Hungarian lawmakers to vote on constitutional change targeting president

Hungarian lawmakers are scheduled to vote Monday evening on a constitutional amendment that would remove the sitting president. The proposed changes would also impose a 12-year or three-term limit on lawmakers, restore the constitutional court's authority to review budget laws, and set a mandatory retirement age of 70 for court judges.

Additional provisions The amendment would create a National Asset Recovery and Protection Office with expanded powers to address corruption. Four current constitutional court members older than 70 would be required to step down if the changes take effect.

Background and reactions The president, a former constitutional court head elected by parliament in 2024, has said the amendment violates principles of the rule of law and separation of powers. A May poll by the 21 Research Centre found that 67 percent of Hungarian voters want the president to leave office.

Rights groups including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have raised concerns about the process, while a former supreme court head told AFP that the measures are justified given the country's recent history. If the president does not sign the amendment, parliament could begin impeachment proceedings.