BUDAPEST — Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced a constitutional amendment on Monday, June 22, 2026, to remove President Tamas Sulyok. President Sulyok was appointed by Viktor Orban, who served as Prime Minister for 16 years prior to April 2026, when Mr. Magyar took office.

Mr. Magyar also proposed a sweeping anti-corruption agenda called "Operation Cleansing Fire" during a speech to parliament on Monday. The plan includes installing a new constitution, purging country institutions, and establishing a new anti-corruption office. Mr. Magyar stated, "We will free our country from the captivity of the political and economic mafia that has ruled for the past 16 years." He also said that the new anti-corruption agency will be staffed by "The best police officers, the best investigators and the best experts will work for this agency."

As part of "Operation Cleansing Fire," Mr. Magyar called on President Sulyok to resign, proposing a constitutional amendment for his removal. The President of Hungary has the power to return legislation to parliament or forward it to the Constitutional Court. Mr. Magyar's plans include electing a new president for a maximum of five years if President Sulyok is removed. Gergely Gulyas, a Fidesz lawmaker, described Mr. Magyar's actions as "slanderous and appalling."

The Tisza Party, led by Mr. Magyar, holds a constitutional majority in the Hungarian parliament. The parliament passed a constitutional amendment earlier in June 2026 that limits prime ministerial terms to eight years. The parliament also voted to scrap a provision underlying the establishment of the Sovereignty Protection Office. The Sovereignty Protection Office was created in 2023 and had been used to investigate critics of Viktor Orban. Human Rights Watch recommended closing the office in April 2026.

Mr. Magyar aims to implement reforms to unlock 16.4 billion euros in funds for Hungary by the end of August 2026. The funds were frozen by the European Union due to rule of law concerns. Mr. Magyar cited figures stating that corruption has cost Hungarians 8 to 10 percent of gross domestic product in recent years. Human Rights Watch recommended moving quickly to meet rule of law milestones required for EU funds in April 2026.

Further proposed changes include establishing an age limit of 70 for judges at the Constitutional Court, which would force Peter Polt, the current head judge and an ally of Mr. Orban, to retire. Additionally, the plans include limiting lawmakers' terms to 12 years. A constitutional review with public discussions is scheduled to begin in September 2026 and will be subject to a referendum.