Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok has signed a constitutional amendment that establishes term limits for the office of prime minister in Hungary. The 16th amendment stipulates that an individual cannot serve as prime minister for more than a cumulative total of eight years, effectively capping service at a maximum of two terms. This regulation applies to terms served following 1990.
The legislation passed the Hungarian parliament with 135 votes in favor, 50 against, and 6 abstentions. The measure received backing from the new political majority, led by Prime Minister Peter Magyar, who campaigned on a platform of deep political reforms. The constitutional change has significant implications for the political landscape, particularly regarding former Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the leader of the Fidesz party.
Orban previously served in two separate terms: from 1998 to 2002, and again from 2010 until his departure following the last general elections. Proponents of the reform argue that imposing such limits is necessary to prevent an excessive concentration of power within a single individual. Conversely, opponents contend that this restriction unduly limits the electorate’s right to determine their preferred leadership.
This constitutional amendment represents a major shift in Hungarian governance, marking the conclusion of an extended political period dominated by Viktor Orban.
Topics: #prime #hungarian #orban
This is a significant move toward institutional checks on executive power in Hungary.