Updated
Updated · The European Conservative · Jun 15
Hungary Passes 8-Year PM Limit Retroactively, Blocking Orbán After 135-50 Vote
Updated
Updated · The European Conservative · Jun 15

Hungary Passes 8-Year PM Limit Retroactively, Blocking Orbán After 135-50 Vote

3 articles · Updated · The European Conservative · Jun 15

Summary

  • Hungary’s parliament approved a constitutional amendment capping prime ministers at 8 years with retroactive effect, a move widely seen as barring five-time premier Viktor Orbán from returning to office.
  • The measure passed 135-50 with 6 abstentions and has been dubbed “Lex Orbán” by critics, who call it ad personam legislation aimed at a single political rival.
  • Orbán acknowledged the target directly on social media, writing: “It does not affect me. It is about me,” while adding that he would be available if needed.
  • The amendment extends the new government’s broader effort to dismantle structures tied to Orbán’s long rule, though retroactive constitutional changes are likely to deepen rule-of-law criticism.

Insights

Will Hungary's constitutional 'fix' to remove Orbán truly restore democracy or just create a new playbook for political revenge?
With Orbán gone, will his brand of illiberal nationalism continue to define Hungary's politics for years to come?