Government Rejects Presidential System Claims
Hungary's government has officially denied a media report suggesting that Prime Minister Viktor Orban is planning to introduce a presidential system. On Thursday, December 11, 2025, government spokesman Zoltán Kovács rejected the claims, which originated from a Bloomberg report, stating they were 'nothing more than the usual leftist fake-news routine' on social media platform X.
Allegations of Power Consolidation
The report by Bloomberg, citing an unnamed source, alleged that Prime Minister Orban was exploring avenues to maintain his influence over Hungary irrespective of the outcome of the parliamentary elections scheduled for April 2026. These options reportedly included the possibility of Orban assuming the presidency and subsequently rewriting laws to transform it into the nation's most powerful office. The report also noted that Orban had reportedly raised the idea of a presidential system after a meeting with Donald Trump.
Hungary's Current Political Structure
Currently, Hungary operates as a parliamentary republic, where the prime minister serves as the head of government, wielding executive power. In this system, the president holds a largely ceremonial role as the head of state. Any fundamental shift to a presidential system would necessitate a modification of Hungary's constitution. Such a change requires a two-thirds parliamentary majority, a threshold that Orban's Fidesz government presently commands.
Historical Context and Upcoming Elections
Prime Minister Orban has previously acknowledged that he has considered transitioning to a presidential system following past election victories since 2010, though he ultimately decided against it each time. The recent report emerges as Hungary prepares for the April 2026 elections, where Orban's Fidesz party faces increasing competition. Opposition leader Péter Magyar and his Tisza party are reportedly leading in some polls, adding a layer of political tension to the discussions surrounding the country's future governance.
5 Comments
Coccinella
Bloomberg's source is unnamed, which casts doubt on the report's veracity. However, given Fidesz's current two-thirds majority, a constitutional change remains a very real, if currently denied, possibility.
Africa
This is a clear move towards dictatorship. Hungary deserves better than a one-man show.
Muchacho
Why would Bloomberg know more than the official government statement? Trust our leaders.
Mariposa
It's fair for the government to push back against unsubstantiated reports, but the timing of this leak, just before a competitive election, naturally fuels public speculation about future governance.
Muchacha
While the government denies the report, Orban has openly considered a presidential system in the past. It's not entirely out of character for him to explore options for consolidating power.