Hungary parliament approves constitutional amendment potentially blocking Orban's return

Hungary's parliament has passed a constitutional amendment that could block former Prime Minister Viktor Orban's return to power. The amendment limits prime ministerial terms to eight years and includes a retroactive clause, potentially affecting Orban, who served for 20 years. This move, supported by a two-thirds majority, signals significant political shifts in Hungary.

Supporters, like amendment proposer Marton Meletei Barna, view it as a foundational step for democratic reconstruction and the restoration of the rule of law. However, some critics question the retroactive application of the term limits. The amendment now goes to President Tamas Sulyok, whom Prime Minister Peter Magyar is attempting to remove.

Beyond limiting Orban's political future, the amendment also seeks to dismantle the Sovereignty Protection Office. The European Commission has flagged this office for violating EU law, while critics argue it was a tool for Orban's regime to strengthen its grip on power. The president's potential rejection of the amendment could be overridden by a parliamentary vote.

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The restoration of the rule of law will not be born from a single law, but every true democratic reconstruction has symbolic and constitutional foundations, and the goal of this amendment is to be such a foundation.