**Hungarian Parliament Approves Eight-Year Term Limit for Prime Ministers**
On June 15, 2026, Hungarian members of parliament enacted a significant constitutional amendment that imposes an eight-year term limit on prime ministers. This reform effectively blocks the potential return of Viktor Orban, who previously served as the country's prime minister for 16 years before losing power in the April parliamentary elections.
The amendment was passed with a substantial majority, with 150 MPs voting in favor, while 50 opposed it and six abstained. This legislative change marks a pivotal achievement for Prime Minister Peter Magyar and his Tisza party, which campaigned on the promise of reforming Hungary's political landscape following their decisive victory earlier this year.
The introduction of the term limit is part of a broader agenda by Magyar’s government to reshape Hungary's governance and improve its relations with the European Union (EU). In his early days in office, Magyar has expressed intentions to adopt the euro currency and recently lifted Hungary's veto against Ukraine's EU accession process, signaling a shift in foreign policy that aims to align more closely with EU standards.
The decision to limit prime ministerial terms is expected to resonate positively in Brussels, where officials have long viewed Orban's leadership as problematic due to his pro-Russian stance and illiberal governance. His administration had been a source of tension within the EU, particularly in relation to the bloc's support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflicts.
In addition to the term limit, the Hungarian parliament is also moving to disband the Sovereignty Protection Office, an agency established in 2023 under Orban's regime to monitor and investigate journalists and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) deemed critical of the government. The office was criticized for its role in suppressing dissent and was identified by Human Rights Watch as a key element of Hungary's human rights crisis during Orban's tenure.
The parliamentary vote to abolish the office is anticipated to take place later this month, further reflecting the new government's commitment to reversing policies that have been viewed as authoritarian. The closure of the Sovereignty Protection Office aligns with broader reforms that the Tisza party has pledged to implement in order to restore democratic norms and enhance civil liberties in Hungary.
Despite his electoral defeat, Orban remains a significant figure in Hungarian politics. He was re-elected as the leader of the Fidesz party just days before the parliamentary vote on the term limit, indicating that he continues to hold influence within the party structure. Following the passage of the amendment, Orban took to social media to comment on the situation, stating, “The Orban law has been passed. That was the most pressing issue… If I’m needed, I’ll be here,” suggesting that he remains engaged in political discourse despite the limitations imposed by the new law.
As Hungary navigates this transitional phase, the implications of the term limit and other reforms will likely unfold in the coming months, shaping the future of the country's political landscape and its relationship with the EU. The Tisza party's commitment to reform and modernization may pave the way for a new chapter in Hungary's governance, one that seeks to align more closely with European democratic standards.