Hungary's new government, led by Prime Minister Péter Magyar, has proposed a constitutional amendment to limit prime ministers to a maximum of eight years in office. The draft amendment, submitted on Wednesday, would effectively bar former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán from returning to the role, as he has served a total of 20 years since 1998.
The proposal is part of Magyar's broader effort to restore democratic checks and balances, which he argued were eroded under Orbán's rule. The amendment states that term limits are "essential" to restoring the rule of law, and applies to all prime ministerial terms since Hungary's democratisation in 1990.
The amendment also paves the way for dissolving the controversial sovereignty protection office, launched under Orbán, which was accused of targeting government critics. Additionally, it seeks to reclaim control over foundations managing public assets, including universities and thinktanks, which were previously controlled by Orbán loyalists.
Magyar's government, which holds a supermajority in parliament, is expected to pass the amendment. The proposal comes as the new administration works to unlock frozen EU funds and distance itself from Orbán's policies, including a shift in foreign relations with Russia.
