Hungary’s parliament approves a constitutional amendment that limits prime ministers to serving a maximum of eight years, a change that would bar former prime minister Viktor Orbán from returning to the post. The amendment is passed on Monday, according to reports, and establishes the term cap as a binding constitutional rule.
The vote takes place after Orbán was removed from power following an election in April. A new government led by Prime Minister Péter Magyar replaces Orbán after Orbán had held the prime minister role for 16 years. Magyar’s political party wins a parliamentary majority that includes enough votes to change or roll back laws passed earlier under Orbán’s Fidesz party, including measures affecting the constitution.
Multiple outlets frame the eight-year limit as an important political shift tied to the new government’s agenda. The amendment is described as reflecting a campaign promise and as a mechanism to prevent Orbán from serving again, depending on how the new rule is applied to past and future terms.
