In our previous article, we summarised the key changes proposed by the Hungarian government to the Hungarian constitution. On 13 July 2026, the Hungarian Parliament adopted the final version of the constitutional amendment, which was promulgated in the Hungarian Official Journal. The constitutional amendments entered into force on 19 July 2026 with certain minor provisions scheduled to enter into force only on 1 October 2026.
Most of the amendments were adopted in the form originally proposed by the government. Consequently, the mandate of the incumbent President of the Republic, Tamás Sulyok, terminates on 20 July 2026, while the mandates of those Constitutional Court justices who have exceeded the retirement age of 70 will terminate on 1 September 2026.
Parliament introduced a limited number of changes to the draft submitted by the government. The most significant amendments are summarised below.
Preservation of the law-making powers of regulatory agencies
Because a more comprehensive review may be needed, the final amendment does not alter the constitutional status of autonomous regulatory bodies, which retain their existing power to issue decrees having the force of law. The issue is expected to be revisited as part of the broader constitutional reform anticipated in the future.
Retention of certain areas requiring a two-thirds majority
Parliament ultimately decided to preserve a broader range of matters requiring a two-thirds parliamentary majority than originally proposed. The following will continue to be subject to a qualified majority requirement:
- rules governing the acquisition and use of ownership rights over arable land and forests, integrated agricultural production organisations, family farms and other agricultural holdings; and
- requirements on the preservation and protection of national assets and their responsible management, the scope of the state’s exclusive ownership and exclusive economic activities, and the conditions and limitations applicable to the disposal of nationally significant assets.
Clarification of the mandate of the National Asset Recovery and Asset Protection Office
As a technical clarification to align the provision with the terminology used in the constitution’s chapter on public finances, the final text extends the competence of the National Asset Recovery and Asset Protection Office to cases involving the unlawful use of public assets and their unlawful management. The amendment confirms the broad scope of the body’s tasks and powers.
For more information on these changes and how they could impact your business operations in Hungary, contact your CMS client partner or the CMS experts who contributed to this article.
Hungary’s legal, tax and regulatory landscape is evolving rapidly following the change of government. Stay informed with timely updates and expert analysis from our dedicated hub, Hungary Forward: Hungary Forward | CMS Hungary
The article was co-authored by Lilla Vereska, Lili Kovács and Gábor Ratkovics.
