Hungary’s ruling Tisza Party submitted constitutional amendments on Wednesday, May 20, that would prevent former Prime Minister Viktor Orban from ever serving as head of government again.
According to Hungarian outlet Telex, the proposal would introduce a two-term limit for Hungarian prime ministers, counting all time served since May 2, 1990.
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Under the draft amendment, anyone who has served as prime minister for a total of at least eight years – including non-consecutive terms – would no longer be eligible for the position.
“Cannot be elected prime minister anyone who has already served at least eight years as prime minister in total,” the proposal states.
Orban, who has led Hungary for five terms since 1998, would therefore be barred from returning to office if the amendment is adopted.
The proposal was submitted by two Tisza Party lawmakers following Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s main campaign promises.
The constitutional amendment would require support from a two-thirds majority in parliament to pass.
Tisza seeks to dismantle sovereignty office
Another part of the proposal would create the constitutional basis for dismantling Hungary’s Sovereignty Protection Office, established in 2023 under Orban’s Fidesz government.
The office was created to defend Hungary’s “constitutional identity and Christian culture” and has faced criticism from European Union officials and rights groups over concerns about political pressure and restrictions on civil society.
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The amendment would remove the constitutional provision underpinning the body, paving the way for repealing the 2023 law establishing it.
Under former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Hungary repeatedly blocked or delayed major EU decisions, particularly those related to Ukraine, sanctions against Russia, and military or financial aid for Kyiv.
One of the latest disputes involved a €90 billion ($105 billion) EU loan package for Ukraine, which Budapest blocked for months before eventually lifting its veto in April after Kyiv announced repairs to the Druzhba oil pipeline supplying Hungary and Slovakia.
Despite later passing the vital loan for Kyiv, Magyar has ruled out Budapest’s backing for Kyiv’s rapid EU accession after his election victory.