Hungary’s parliament, dominated by Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s nationalist coalition, on Wednesday approved a bill that makes it more difficult to remove the country’s president from office. The legislation comes four months ahead of national elections, where polls show opposition leader Peter Magyar’s TISZA party leading.
Under the new law, the constitutional court must now review any decision to remove the president and has the authority to reject it. Previously, parliament could declare that the president was unable to perform duties with a simple majority vote. The bill passed with 134 votes in favor, 49 against, and two abstentions. Any future amendments will require a two-thirds parliamentary majority.
The current president, Tamas Sulyok, a former head of the constitutional court and ally of Orban, holds mainly ceremonial powers but can veto laws or refer them to the constitutional court for review, giving him influence over government agendas.
The constitutional court is led by former chief prosecutor Peter Polt, also an Orban ally, who was approved for a 12-year term earlier this year.
Orban’s chief of staff, Gergely Gulyas, said the law addresses a “gap in the president’s legal status” that could allow potential abuse.
READ ALSO: EU leaders attack Hungary PM over LGBTQ law
Opposition TISZA party criticized the move, calling it “further proof” that Orban’s government fears losing the upcoming April elections.
Hungary has a population of 9.5 million, and the presidential term runs until 2030.