Államfõi jogkörök alkalmazása a gyakorlatban
The Exercise of the Jurisdiction of The Head of State in Practice

Summary/Abstract: The President of the Hungarian Republic has a wide sphere of power under the constitution. These powers can be grouped on the basis of their sphere of authority, but it is also important to consider how much influence the Head of State has over policy processes by exercising these rights. The two most important powers of the president are the constitutional and political veto, because through these laws he can (though restrictions) influence legislation. Besides its legal effect, the presidential veto can be a warning sign for political leaders. Although the constitution accords scant powers to the president, the country has shown examples of both ”weak” and ”moderately strong” presidential models. As a consequence of these facts, it can be said that beside the constitution, the president’s own interpretation of his role plays a pivotal role in his political weight. The president’s individual interpretation of his role is also influenced by several additional factors, such as the political situation and the president’s personality. On the basis of these factors, it can be stated that the first presidential term of Árpád Göncz was exceptionally active, but in general, the president’s more representative and symbolic role was characteristic and has become the norm in the Hungarian political system. Although Ferenc Mádl was more active concerning his political and constitutional vetoes than Árpád Göncz was in his last six years, this does not mean that there is an automatic return to the moderately strong, counterweighting model of his first-term. The politically active presidential role is not generally characteristic of Ferenc Mádl’s presidency. Concerning his remarks on party political affairs, he can be considered passive, so in this respect, he followed the practice of the second term of Árpád Göncz’s presidency. However, today the president does not fully use his rights guaranteed by the constitution. The president could have a much stronger influence on policy processes by exercising his constitutional rights, by proposing his own legislation, initiating a referendum or speaking up in Parliament.

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