Hungary’s parliament approved a constitutional amendment on Monday that allows prime ministers to serve for a maximum of eight years, effectively barring former premier Viktor Orban from holding the role again.
Prime Minister Peter Magyar ousted Orban in an election in April after 16 years, gaining a two-thirds majority in parliament that allows his party to roll back or change legislation passed by Orban’s Fidesz, including the constitution.
The amendment was a key campaign promise of pro-EU conservative Magyar who, in April elections, ousted Orban from office and promised sweeping reforms as part of a “regime change”.
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Magyar argued the possibility of limitless tenure can lead to power concentration, pointing to his predecessor as an example, whom critics accused of constantly tweaking Hungary’s political system to keep a tight grip on power.
Orban’s party opposed term limits, arguing that it could possibly restrict popular will.
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The amendment passed parliament with 135 votes for, 50 against, and six abstentions. Under Hungarian law, such a measure can be passed by a two-thirds supermajority without needing a referendum.