Hungary’s parliament has voted to limit a prime minister’s term in office to eight years, effectively blocking Viktor Orbán’s potential return to power.
The change to the constitution, which passed with a 135-50 vote, means that no prime minister since 1990 can serve more than two terms, even if they are years apart. Orbán, who led Hungary for 16 years, was highly critical of the measure, calling it the “Orbán law” on Facebook.
Term Limits in Hungary
The amendment was introduced by the new government, led by Prime Minister Péter Magyar, who promised to prevent Orbán’s return to power. Magyar’s Tisza party won a two-thirds majority in the April election, giving it the power to amend the constitution.
The change also means that Magyar himself will be limited to serving as prime minister until 2034. The new government has promised to tackle corruption and reverse some of the controversial policies introduced by Orbán’s government.
Hungary has been labeled the most corrupt country in the European Union for four years running, and the EU had withheld billions of euros in funding due to concerns over rule of law and corruption.
Reform Efforts
The Hungarian government is working to unlock €16.4 billion in EU funding, which was withheld due to concerns over corruption. The government has introduced a series of reforms, including boosting the role of the anti-corruption watchdog and returning state assets to the government.
The reforms have been met with resistance from Orbán’s Fidesz party, with some accusing Magyar of using his power to exclude Orbán from democratic competition. However, the government remains committed to its reform agenda, which it says will help Hungary become a more transparent and accountable democracy.
The broader significance of this development is that it marks a significant shift in Hungary’s political landscape, as the country seeks to move away from the authoritarian tendencies of the past and towards a more democratic and accountable system of government.
