Orban supporters protest against the dismissal of President Tomas Sulyok

Thousands of supporters of former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban gathered in Budapest to protest against the new government's plan to dismiss President Tamas Sulyok.

The protest, organized by the Fidesz party, was held in front of the Sandor Palace, the official residence of the president. The protesters opposed constitutional changes proposed by the government of Prime Minister Peter Magyar, which would have terminated Sulyok's mandate.

The proposed amendments, among other things, provide for the termination of the term of office of the President of the Republic Tamas Sulyok, as well as limiting the duration of the parliamentary term in the National Assembly to a maximum of 12 years.

Protest organizers called the initiative an attack on democratic institutions and warned that removing the president through a constitutional amendment would set a dangerous precedent. During the rally, chants were heard against the new government, while some participants accused Prime Minister Magyar of authoritarian tendencies.

On the other hand, the government argues that President Tamas Sulyok, elected during Orban's rule, has failed to protect the democratic order and has passed laws that, according to it, have weakened state institutions. For this reason, the executive branch is seeking to end his mandate through constitutional changes.

This was the first major protest organized by Fidesz since losing power in April's parliamentary elections, which ended Viktor Orban's 16 years of rule.

The GeoPost