Key facts
- Hungary's President Tamás Sulyok's term has ended following a constitutional amendment.
- Andy Burnham has become the UK's seventh Prime Minister since 2016.
- The removal of Sulyok is popular in Hungary but criticized by some NGOs.
- Burnham's administration is expected to focus on domestic growth and devolution.
- Brussels is monitoring Hungary's political changes for rule of law implications.
- Closer EU-UK ties are a stated agenda for both London and Brussels.
In a week marked by significant political shifts, Hungary has seen its president removed, while the United Kingdom has a new prime minister. Tamás Sulyok, widely seen as a loyalist to former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, signed a constitutional amendment on July 18 that ended his presidency. This move was central to the campaign of Prime Minister Péter Magyar's Tisza Party, which secured a parliamentary supermajority in April. Euronews reporter Sandor Zsiros described Sulyok as an "invisible" president who "never challenged Orbán or the many violations of the rule of law." Andrea Renda, director of research at CEPS, echoed this, calling Sulyok a "yes-man" who did not object to the administration's plans. While the removal is popular in Hungary, Human Rights Watch has warned it could hinder efforts to restore the rule of law. Magyar has proposed world chess champion Judit Polgár as Sulyok's replacement, but she declined the offer. Experts suggest Magyar may propose another high-profile figure.
Meanwhile, in the UK, Andy Burnham has taken office as the seventh prime minister in a decade, following Keir Starmer's resignation. Burnham's appointment occurs as both Brussels and London prioritize strengthening cross-Channel ties. Burnham has already spoken with European Council President António Costa and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen about reinforcing EU-UK relations. However, Burnham's immediate focus appears to be on domestic issues such as economic growth, devolution, and re-industrialization in areas that previously voted for Brexit. Analysts suggest that even if Burnham's policies are not directly aimed at EU rapprochement, their success in revitalizing local economies could foster greater inclusivity and, over time, bring the UK closer to the European Union. Geopolitically, the current climate is seen as opportune for closer ties, particularly given past instances of strained UK-US relations.