Hungary’s Anti-Orbán Law: Prime Minister’s Term Limited to Eight Years

Hungary’s parliament has passed a constitutional amendment limiting the prime minister to a maximum of eight years in office – two terms. This not only restricts current Prime Minister Péter Magyar to eight years but also ensures that Viktor Orbán, who has held power for 20 years with only a brief interruption, can never return to office. The change still requires presidential approval.

Péter Magyar’s project to restore democracy and the rule of law in Hungary is gaining momentum. At the request of the ruling Tisza party, the so-called “Sovereignty Protection Authority” will also be abolished. This body repeatedly attacked critics of Orbán’s government, and according to the European Commission, the institution violates European laws.

Viktor Orbán’s propaganda machine is also coming under increasing scrutiny. The “public” foundations that allowed Orbán to hand over universities and cultural institutions to his followers are being dismantled. This includes the right-wing think tank Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC).

The MCC Foundation will be dissolved, and all its assets nationalized. This means that valuable shares in Hungary’s oil giant MOL – 10% of which Orbán had transferred to the foundation of the far-right think tank – will return to state ownership. MCC’s share packages are worth more than 1 billion euros. Through them MCC directly profited from the processing and sale of Russian oil.

In Brussels, the right-wing think tank is also facing increasing difficulties. The relevant EU authority has removed MCC Brussels from the European lobby transparency register. The accusation: MCC failed to disclose how it is funded. As a result, MCC can no longer participate in meetings with EU institutions.

Daniel Freund, Green MEP:
“The reforms adopted in Hungary are a long-overdue and courageous step toward the rule of law. After 16 years of Orbán, this is a historic moment for Hungary and a victory for everyone who stands up for democracy. But Hungary’s journey back into the European community of values has only just begun – and we will be watching closely.”