Hungary's MPs block return of Orbán, limiting rule of PM to eight years

Hungary's parliament has approved a constitutional amendment limiting prime ministers to two terms, totaling eight years in office. This move fulfills a promise by new Prime Minister Péter Magyar to prevent his predecessor, Viktor Orbán, from returning to the premiership. Orbán, who served for 16 uninterrupted years until Magyar's Tisza party won the April election with a super-majority, criticized the change, stating he would be available if needed. The amendment, which applies to all prime ministers since 1990, passed with 135 votes to 50 and now awaits the president's signature. Orbán's party voted against the measure, with a former political director accusing Magyar of using power to exclude opponents.

Hungarian lawmakers have approved a constitutional amendment limiting prime ministerial terms to eight years. This reform, a key promise of Prime Minister Peter Magyar's Tisza party following their landslide victory in April's elections, effectively prevents former leader Viktor Orban from returning to power. The amendment passed with overwhelming support, 150 votes in favor, despite opposition from Orban's Fidesz party. This change is one of Magyar's first major reforms aimed at improving Hungary's relations with the European Union and signifies a shift away from Orban's illiberal regime. The vote also allows for other reforms, such as disbanding the Sovereignty Protection Office.

Hungary's parliament has approved a constitutional amendment establishing an eight-year term limit for prime ministers. This change effectively prevents former Prime Minister Viktor Orban from returning to the role, as he served for 16 years. The amendment was a key promise of current Prime Minister Peter Magyar, who ousted Orban in an April election and secured a two-thirds parliamentary majority. Magyar argued that unlimited tenure can lead to power concentration, citing Orban's tenure as an example. Orban's party opposed the term limits, stating they could restrict popular will. The amendment passed with 135 votes in favor.