Hungary's parliament prevents Orbán from becoming prime minister again

Hungary's parliament has enacted a significant constitutional change, limiting prime ministers to a maximum of eight years in office. This move effectively bars former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán from seeking the premiership again, should he wish to return. The amendment passed with a substantial majority, reflecting a decisive shift in the country's political landscape.

The new rule will also apply to the current Prime Minister, Péter Magyar, who leads the Tisza party. Magyar's party secured a landslide victory in the April elections, ousting Orbán's Fidesz party and gaining a supermajority in parliament. The eight-year term limit was a central pledge during Magyar's campaign, signaling a desire for new leadership and a departure from Orbán's long tenure.

Orbán previously held power for 16 consecutive years, from 2010 to 2026. The constitutional amendment, passed with 135 votes in favor, 50 against, and six abstentions, marks a definitive end to his extended period as prime minister. Hungary's presidential term, which is largely ceremonial, is already capped at a maximum of ten years, with a limit of two five-year terms.