Sulyok said in a video posted on social media that, as the president cannot refer constitutional amendments to the Constitutional Court for substantive review, he has no constitutional means to challenge the current amendment, despite its potential conflict with constitutional principles.

He said that by signing the law, he was fulfilling his duty under the fundamental law, following careful consideration of his legal options and conscience.

"My signature is the final seal of my presidential duty and a sign of my absolute respect for the office of the president under all circumstances," Sulyok said.

Sulyok emphasised that he had always upheld the fundamental law, fulfilled his duties with full respect for it, and could not refuse to sign the amendment without violating the law.

At the same time, he said the 17th constitutional amendment was a "serious and shameful historical example of abuse of political power, marking a breaking point in Hungary’s constitutional democracy and inflicting deep wounds on its core values: democracy, separation of powers, and the rule of law".

"The fundamental values of a free society … have been trampled for the sake of political interest. The sole responsibility for this decision lies with the constitutional amending authority," Sulyok declared.

"The amendment effectively ended the democratic rule-of-law state born from the legacy of 1956 and the regime change, as well as the unchanged legitimacy of the presidential office since 1990. After its enactment, the presidency will become subservient to the executive and politics, its public law role would fade, its core functions would cease, and it would no longer serve as a check or balance," he said.

Magyar to ask Polgar to serve as president

Prime Minister Peter Magyar will meet chess grand master Judit Polgar on Monday and ask her to serve as president of the republic. "Her name has been synonymous with talent and perseverance for decades," he said, adding that he would be honoured if Polgar accepted the post.

"Our country needs unity, peace, and a president of whom every Hungarian can be proud. The presidency is not a job or a workplace but the highest form of service. The president’s duty is to serve and represent every Hungarian," Magyar said.

As the most successful female player in chess history, she led the women’s world rankings uninterrupted for 26 years while also breaking into the top ten of the absolute world rankings, he noted.

"A five-time chess Olympiad champion, international grand master, and recipient of the Hungarian Order of St Stephen, her extraordinary life story was recently showcased in the documentary *The Queen of Chess*. Just a few weeks ago, she was also elected a member of Christ’s College at the University of Cambridge," he said.

"The respect surrounding her person stems not from political affiliation or connections but from her exceptional talent, diligence, unparalleled endurance, and integrity... Personally, I would consider it a great honour if she accepted the nomination," he said.

MTI Stock Photo

Source: MTI – Hungary’s national news agency since 1881.

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