The political possibilities of the Hungarian president

In recent weeks, following the resignation of the previous President, some of the minority parties without government mandate have set the goal of incorporating the direct election of the President into the Constitution, arguing that a directly elected President would have much stronger political legitimacy and democratic mandate.

In Hungary, the position of President is traditionally considered to be ceremonial, with a few important rights enshrined in the Constitution.

The Role of the Hungarian President:

Represents the Hungarian state internationally.
Appoints and receives ambassadors and envoys.
Determines the date of the general elections for members of the Parliament, local governments, and mayors.
Entrusts the Prime Minister with forming the government if the Parliament supports the candidate with a two-thirds majority.
Can dissolve the Parliament if it cannot elect the Prime Minister or if the Parliament rejects the budget twice.
Nominates candidates for the Constitutional Court to the Parliament.
Has the right of veto over laws passed by the Parliament.
Has the right to pardon persons convicted by the court.
Commander-in-Chief of the Hungarian Defence Forces.

In addition, the Hungarian Parliament’s Rules of Procedure also stipulate the President’s parliamentary activities:

The President may address the Parliament on any agenda item before its discussion, upon invitation.
The President may ask questions to the Prime Minister, the ministers and the members of the Parliament.
The President may make proposals regarding bills or even referendums.

Speeches of the Hungarian Presidents in the Parliament between 1989 and 2023:

Mátyás Szűrös (1987-1990): Spoke 4 times, topics included the legacy of the communist past, the challenges of democracy, and the need for economic transformation. He also initiated two bills: the Constitution of the Republic of Hungary and the Electoral Law.
Árpád Göncz (1990-2000):Spoke 15 times, topics included the consolidation of democracy, strengthening national identity, Hungarian unity, and historical reconciliation. During his term in office, he had 4 bills: on minority rights, national memorial sites, local governments, and public service media.
Ferenc Mádl (2000-2005): Spoke 5 times in the Parliament on the topics of Hungarian EU accession, building a knowledge-based society, and social justice. Three of his bills were on the higher education law, scientific research, and family support.
László Sólyom (2005-2010):Spoke 6 times in the Parliament in the interest of protecting the constitutionality, strengthening the rule of law, and emphasizing moral values. He had two bills: on the Constitutional Court and the data protection law.
Pál Schmitt (2010-2012):poke twice on the successes of Hungarian sports and strengthening national consciousness, and submitted a bill on sports.
János Áder (2012-2022):Spoke to the Parliament twelve times on the development of the Hungarian economy, the expansion of family support, and the strengthening of national unity. During his term of office, 8 bills are associated with his name: on national wealth, family support, defense, police, disaster protection, water management, national public education, and higher education.
Katalin Novák (2022-2024):** Has not exercised the right to speak in Parliament and has not submitted a bill.

It is important to note that the bills initiated by the Presidents were not necessarily adopted by the Parliament, the topics of the bills are not exclusive, and a single bill can touch on multiple topics.

The above shows that the Hungarian President also has powers in the area of direct legislation, which strongly nuance the term “ceremonial” associated with the position of President.

The vast majority of post-1989 presidents have been lawyers and have had the knowledge to understand and place the legislative activity of Hungarian governments and parliaments within the legal system and its impact on the nation and society.

Overall, instead of direct presidential elections, it would be more feasible for the new President to exercise more of his direct political rights, thus proving that national rise and unity are important to him.