Hungary's newly elected government, led by Péter Magyar, has initiated a crucial step towards dismantling the authoritarian legacy of Viktor Orbán with a proposed constitutional amendment limiting prime ministerial terms to eight years. This move, submitted just over a week after the new government took office, directly challenges Orbán's consolidation of power and sets the stage for a more equitable and democratic Hungary.

For over a decade, Orbán and his Fidesz party systematically eroded Hungary's democratic institutions, turning the nation into what they termed a “petri dish for illiberalism.” Magyar's amendment represents a significant pushback against this trend, aiming to restore checks and balances that were deliberately weakened under Orbán's rule.

Magyar's promise to introduce term limits during his campaign resonated with voters concerned about the concentration of power in the hands of a single individual. The eight-year limit on prime ministerial service aims to prevent future leaders from accumulating the same level of control that allowed Orbán to reshape Hungary's political landscape to his advantage.

Analysts emphasize the enormity of the task ahead for the new government. Rebuilding crumbling public services and addressing economic stagnation, compounded by the lingering presence of Fidesz loyalists in key institutions, requires a comprehensive approach to systemic reform. The term limit is a crucial first step, but it must be followed by further measures to ensure the independence of the judiciary, the media, and other vital sectors.

The proposed amendment explicitly states that term limits are “essential” to restoring the rule of law, directly addressing the concerns about Orbán's potential comeback. By barring anyone who has served as prime minister for a total of eight years or more since Hungary's democratization in 1990, the amendment effectively prevents Orbán, who served for 20 years, from seeking the office again.

However, the amendment's effectiveness hinges on preventing future leaders from dismantling these protections. A supermajority in parliament could theoretically overturn the term limits, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance and advocacy to safeguard democratic principles.

The new government also aims to dismantle the controversial Sovereignty Protection Office, accused of targeting critics by granting intelligence services unchecked access to personal data. This office represented a clear violation of privacy and freedom of expression, and its dissolution would be a major victory for civil liberties in Hungary.