Hungary Parliament Approves Term Limits, Barring Orban from Future Premiership

Hungary’s parliament approved a ⁠constitutional amendment ⁠on Monday that ⁠allows prime ministers to serve for a maximum of eight years, effectively barring former premier Viktor Orban from holding the role ‌again.

Prime Minister Peter Magyar ousted Orban in an election in April after 16 years, gaining a two-thirds majority in parliament that allows his party to roll back or change legislation passed ⁠by Orban’s Fidesz, including the constitution.

The amendment was a key campaign promise of pro-EU conservative Magyar who, in April elections, ousted Orban from office and promised sweeping reforms as part of a “regime change”.

Magyar argued the possibility of limitless tenure can lead to power concentration, pointing to his predecessor as an example, whom critics accused of constantly tweaking Hungary’s political system to keep a tight grip on power.

Orban’s party opposed term limits, arguing that it could possibly restrict popular will.

The amendment passed parliament with 135 votes for, 50 against, and six abstentions. Under Hungarian law, such a measure can be passed by a two-thirds supermajority without needing a referendum.