Budapest : Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar has proposed limiting the time MPs can serve in parliament to a maximum of 12 years.
The initiative is part of a broader package of constitutional reforms. The measure has been included in a set of amendments already submitted to parliament for consideration.
In mid-June, the ruling Tisza party, which holds a two-thirds majority in the legislature, approved a constitutional amendment limiting the prime minister to two four-year terms.
The change would block a possible return to power by former right-wing prime minister Viktor Orban, who lost office after his election defeat in April. Orban served as prime minister from 1998 to 2002 and again from 2010 until this spring’s vote. Under the new rules, the same limit would also apply to the current prime minister, Magyar.
The plan to impose a 12-year cap on parliamentary service was first announced by the prime minister two weeks ago. Unlike the limit on the premiership, the measure was not part of his party’s election manifesto and has drawn criticism in some public circles.
Magyar, however, said the proposal enjoys broad support, with dozens of citizens taking part in the online debate.
According to the prime minister, the new limit on parliamentary service would take effect after the next parliamentary elections in 2030, meaning it would not apply to the current parliament.
The constitutional package, which is expected to receive final approval in the coming weeks, also provides for the early removal of President Tamás Sulyok, who was appointed during Orban’s time in power.
The package also envisages age limits and term limits for constitutional judges and members of the Supreme Court. The stated aim is to renew and depoliticise the judiciary, which critics of the previous government say was filled with Orban loyalists.
