The prime minister had demanded the president’s resignation immediately after winning the national election in April. Sulyok, a little-known judge, was elevated to the presidency in 2024 after his predecessor, Katalin Novák, stepped down due to her implication in a child sexual abuse scandal.
The incumbent prime minister alleges the current president failed to protect the rule of law, and set a May 31 deadline for his exit. But Sulyok on Sunday said he would not step down, insisting “the dignity of the presidential mandate demands of me steadfastness.” His presidential term runs through March 2029.
The European Commission has promised to free up billions of euros in EU funds if Magyar enacts sweeping reforms of Hungary’s judiciary, anti-corruption safeguards and public procurement.
Following a meeting with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday, the prime minister said Budapest had convinced Brussels to free the cash. Commission officials, however, offered a more cautious response, describing the deal as a political agreement on a broad direction rather than a formal decision to release funds.
Magyar’s move to alter the country’s constitution to oust Sulyok could spark a constitutional crisis, and potentially complicate a final settlement.