Magyar sets out broad reforms targeting Orban-era power structures
Hungary’s prime minister proposed constitutional and anti-corruption changes as his government seeks to unlock frozen EU funds.
By Lucas Ferreira · Science & Environment Writer
3 min read
Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced a broad reform package on Monday aimed at reshaping state institutions built during Viktor Orban’s 16 years in power. Al Jazeera, DPA and Reuters reported that the plan is tied to efforts to restore rule-of-law safeguards and secure billions of euros in European Union funding frozen under Orban.
Magyar told parliament the programme, called “Operation Cleansing Fire,” would include a new constitution, changes to public institutions, a new anti-corruption body and a push to remove President Tamas Sulyok. “We will free our country from the captivity of the political and economic mafia that has ruled for the past 16 years,” Magyar said, according to Al Jazeera, DPA and Reuters.
Magyar took office in April after his Tisza Party defeated Orban’s Fidesz, ending Orban’s long run as prime minister, Al Jazeera reported. The report said Fidesz had used its parliamentary strength to extend control over many parts of the Hungarian state, while critics accused Orban’s government of systemic corruption, closer ties with Russia and conflict with the EU.
EU funds and constitutional changes
According to Al Jazeera, DPA and Reuters, Magyar’s government is moving quickly because it has a deal with the EU to carry out reforms by the end of August. The agreement could unlock 16.4 billion euros, or about $19bn, in funds that were frozen over rule-of-law concerns during Orban’s time in office.
A central part of the plan is the proposed removal of Sulyok, who was appointed under Orban. Magyar has called on Sulyok to step down and proposed a constitutional amendment that would allow his removal, Al Jazeera, DPA and Reuters reported.
Hungary’s president has limited formal authority, but can delay legislation by sending it back to parliament or referring it to the Constitutional Court. Sulyok has said he has no political agenda, while Fidesz lawmaker Gergely Gulyas called Magyar’s parliamentary address “slanderous and appalling,” according to the report.
If Sulyok is removed, Magyar’s plan would provide for the election of a new president serving no more than five years. Al Jazeera, DPA and Reuters reported that a constitutional review, including public discussions, would begin in September and later go to a referendum.
Anti-corruption agency planned
Magyar also proposed an age limit of 70 for judges on the Constitutional Court, a change that would force Orban ally Peter Polt to retire as head judge, according to Al Jazeera, DPA and Reuters. The plan would also cap lawmakers’ time in parliament at 12 years.
Magyar said corruption had cost Hungary 8 to 10 percent of gross domestic product in recent years, according to figures he cited in parliament. He said a new anti-corruption authority would draw on senior professionals, saying, “The best police officers, the best investigators and the best experts will work for this agency.”
The reform package follows an earlier constitutional amendment passed this month by Hungarian lawmakers that limits prime ministers to eight years in office, Al Jazeera reported. That change would block Orban from returning to the premiership.
Lawmakers also voted to remove the legal basis for the Sovereignty Protection Office, which was created in 2023 to guard against “foreign influence” and was used to investigate Orban’s critics, according to Al Jazeera. Human Rights Watch had urged Hungary in April to close the office and move quickly on EU rule-of-law requirements, including judicial independence and anti-corruption protections.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.