Hungarian MPs approve PM limits to block potential return of Orban

Hungary's parliament has overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment establishing an eight-year limit on prime ministerial terms, a move that effectively bars former long-serving leader Viktor Orban from seeking office again. The vote saw 150 members of parliament in favor, with 50 against and six abstentions, passing despite opposition from Orban's Fidesz party.

This reform was a central campaign pledge of Prime Minister Peter Magyar's Tisza party, which secured a decisive victory in April's elections, ending Orban's 16-year tenure. Magyar has positioned the reform as crucial for reintegrating Hungary into the European mainstream and improving its relationship with the EU.

In his initial weeks, Magyar has committed to adopting the euro and recently lifted Hungary's veto on Ukraine's EU accession process. The amendment is seen favorably in Brussels, as Orban's previous pro-Russian and illiberal government had created significant friction with the EU, particularly concerning support for Ukraine.

The parliamentary vote, leveraging Tisza's constitutional majority, also clears the path for other reforms, including the dissolution of the controversial Sovereignty Protection Office. Established in 2023 to counter "foreign influence," the office was criticized for investigating journalists and NGOs critical of Orban's administration. Human Rights Watch had previously urged the new government to implement such measures to address what it termed a "human rights crisis" under Orban.

MPs are expected to vote on dissolving the agency later this month. Orban, who was re-elected Fidesz party leader on Saturday, reacted sardonically on social media, stating, "The Orban law has been passed. That was the most pressing issue… If I’m needed, I’ll be here."

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The Orban law has been passed. That was the most pressing issue… If I’m needed, I’ll be here.