Hungary's Government Proposes Prime Minister Term Limits
Hungary’s new government, led by Péter Magyar, has introduced a constitutional amendment draft that would restrict prime ministers to serving a maximum of eight years in office. This measure effectively prevents Viktor Orbán from returning to the prime ministerial role.
The draft amendment was submitted on Wednesday, shortly after the new government assumed office. It represents Magyar and his Tisza party’s initial effort to dismantle a constitution that has been amended more than a dozen times under Orbán and his Fidesz party, who have been accused of transforming Hungary into a "petri dish for illiberalism."
Term Limits as Part of Democratic Restoration
Throughout Magyar’s more than two years of campaigning, he consistently pledged to introduce term limits, framing them as a crucial component of a broader initiative to restore democratic checks and balances in Hungary.
Following his party’s decisive victory in last month’s election, analysts have noted that the new government faces significant challenges in rebuilding the country’s deteriorating public services and stagnant economy. These challenges are further complicated by the presence of numerous Fidesz loyalists embedded within the state apparatus, media, and judiciary.
Draft Amendment Details and Implications
The draft amendment appears designed to prevent Orbán from exploiting the current situation to stage a political comeback. It emphasizes that term limits are "essential" to restoring the rule of law. The amendment states:
"A person who has served as prime minister, for a total of at least eight years, including any interruptions, may not be elected as prime minister."
This provision applies retroactively to all prime ministerial terms held since Hungary’s democratization in 1990. Given that Orbán has served five terms as prime minister since 1998—totaling 20 years in power—he would be disqualified under this rule. However, the amendment is not foolproof; a future leader with a two-thirds or supermajority in parliament could amend the constitution to extend their tenure.
Additional Constitutional Changes Proposed
Another provision in the draft amendment, supported by Tisza’s parliamentary supermajority, allows for the dissolution of the controversial sovereignty protection office.
Established during Orbán’s final years in power, this office was criticized for suppressing government critics by enabling Hungary’s intelligence services to access information on individuals and organizations without judicial oversight.
Addressing EU Relations and Public Asset Control
As the new government negotiates the release of billions in frozen EU funds, the draft amendment also tackles a longstanding source of tension with the European Union by reclaiming control over foundations that, during Orbán’s tenure, managed nearly two dozen universities and educational institutions such as the Mathias Corvinus Collegium.
Under the previous government, the boards of trustees of these foundations—many staffed with Orbán loyalists—were granted full control over these assets. The draft amendment notes that this arrangement "eliminated democratic control" over public assets and resulted in an "abuse of legislative power."
The proposal states that the state could potentially dissolve these foundations, clarifying:
"The amendment makes it clear that although the foundations … are private entities, their assets are national assets."
The draft amendment is scheduled for discussion next week when the national assembly convenes.
Government’s Break from Past Practices
Since his election victory, Magyar has emphasized his government’s departure from previous policies, pledging to reform state media that operated as Orbán mouthpieces, calling for the resignation of Orbán-era appointees, and reaching out to teachers, journalists, and public figures who were maligned during Orbán’s administration.
The government has also signaled a significant shift in foreign relations. In mid-May, the new foreign minister, Anita Orbán, summoned Russia’s ambassador to Hungary following a large drone attack in Ukraine. This marked a reversal from her predecessor’s seemingly conciliatory stance toward Moscow.
She stated on social media:
"I told the Russian ambassador that it was completely unacceptable for that they were now attacking Transcarpathia, home of the Hungarian minority. I stressed that Russia should do everything for an immediate ceasefire and a peaceful and lasting end to the war as soon as possible."
