Hungary's MPs block return of Orbán, limiting rule of PM to eight years
Summary
Hungary's parliament passed a constitutional change that limits prime ministers to two terms, or eight years, in office. This law blocks Viktor Orbán from returning as prime minister, after he led Hungary for 16 years, and also restricts the current prime minister, Péter Magyar, to serve no longer than 2034.Key Facts
- Hungary’s parliament approved a constitutional amendment limiting prime ministers to a maximum of two terms (eight years) in office.
- Viktor Orbán served as prime minister for 16 years until April 2024, when Péter Magyar’s party won a two-thirds majority.
- Orbán’s party, Fidesz, opposed the amendment; Orbán criticized it but remains leader of Fidesz.
- The amendment requires the signature of President Tamás Sulyok to become law.
- The new rule prevents any prime minister since 1990 from serving more than two terms, even if non-consecutive.
- The amendment removes an independent agency that protected Hungary’s “constitutional identity,” ending Orbán’s Sovereignty Protection Office.
- The government aims to reduce influence of public foundations linked to Fidesz and regain state assets.
- The European Commission agreed to release €16.4 billion to Hungary, conditional on anti-corruption reforms approved by parliament.
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