The Hungarian parliament has approved a constitutional amendment capping any prime minister at eight years in office, delivering on a pledge by Péter Magyar to bar Viktor Orbán from returning to power.

Orbán governed Hungary without interruption for 16 years before Magyar's Tisza party ousted him in the April election and secured a two-thirds majority allowing constitutional changes.

The new rule prevents any prime minister serving since 1990 from holding the post for more than two terms, regardless of gaps between them.

Orbán's reduced Fidesz ranks opposed the measure, and the former leader, recently re-elected as party head, voiced strong objections.

"The Orban law has just been voted through. That was the most pressing issue. If I'm needed, I'll be here," he posted on Facebook.

Orbán argued that Tisza had only held power for a month and should avoid planning eight years ahead.

Tisza's super-majority carried the amendment 135 votes to 50, leaving only the signature of President Tamás Sulyok required for enactment.

Orbán's ex-political director Balázs Orbán charged that Magyar was "using political power to exclude a political opponent from democratic competition."

While a future super-majority could theoretically reverse the change, it also restricts Magyar himself to serving only until 2034.

He assumed office last month vowing to dismantle parts of the controversial state structures installed by Fidesz over its 16-year tenure.

Transparency International has ranked Hungary as the European Union's most corrupt nation for four straight years, prompting the bloc to withhold billions in funding over rule-of-law and governance concerns.

Last month the European Commission released €16.4bn subject to parliamentary anti-corruption reforms.

Besides the term limit, Monday's amendment eliminated a requirement for an independent body to safeguard Hungary's constitutional identity.

This move dissolved Orbán's Sovereignty Protection Office, established in 2023 to track foreign political interference.

The changes also target Kekva public trust foundations formed by transferring state assets including firms and universities.

The government plans to reclaim those assets or reduce support for linked institutions such as Mathias Corvinus Collegium, whose board is chaired by Balázs Orbán.

On Tuesday parliament began debating additional legal adjustments needed to unlock further withheld EU funds.

These steps include strengthening the role of the Integrity Authority anti-corruption body.

MPs also marked the anniversary of the 1956 revolution leaders' execution under Soviet rule.

Magyar named the six figures including former Prime Minister Imre Nagy, and the chamber noted their 1989 reburial.

During proceedings Balázs Orbán accused Magyar of reforms that endanger thousands of students, sparking a direct exchange with the prime minister.

Magyar stated that Hungarians would mark the 70th anniversary of the 1956 uprising in October after opening a new chapter as part of the free world.