Péter Magyar was sworn in as Hungary's new prime minister on Saturday, marking the end of Viktor Orbán's 16-year rule and ushering in a new political era for the Central European nation.
Landslide Victory for Tisza Party
Magyar, a 45-year-old lawyer, led his centre-right Tisza party to a stunning victory in last month's elections, securing more votes and parliamentary seats than any other party in Hungary's post-Communist history. The party now holds 141 of the 199 seats in Parliament, giving it a commanding majority.
Orbán's Fidesz-KDNP coalition, which previously held 135 seats, was reduced to just 52 seats, while the far-right Mi Hazánk (Our Homeland) party won six seats. Orbán's absence from the inaugural session was a historic first since Hungary's first post-Communist Parliament was formed in 1990.
Magyar's Promises and Priorities
Magyar, who founded Tisza in 2024 after years as an insider within Orbán's party, has pledged to eradicate official corruption, which he argues has deprived Hungarians of economic opportunity. He has also promised to mend Hungary's strained relationship with the European Union and restore the country's standing among Western democracies.
A key priority is unlocking approximately €17 billion (£14.5 billion) in EU funds that were frozen during Orbán's tenure over rule-of-law and corruption concerns. Hungary's economy has stagnated for the past four years, and these funds are crucial for recovery.
In a symbolic gesture, Tisza officials announced they will reinstate the EU flag on the Parliament building's facade, which was removed by Orbán's government in 2014.
Celebrations and Farewell to Orbán Era
Magyar called on citizens to attend an all-day "regime-change" celebration outside Parliament to commemorate his inauguration and the end of the Orbán era. He is expected to address the crowd after taking his oath.
Budapest's liberal mayor, Gergely Karácsony, also extended an open invitation to a celebration by the Danube River later on Saturday, marking Orbán's fall and the formation of the new government. In a social media post, Karácsony expressed gratitude to Hungarians who had long opposed Orbán's system, saying: "Teachers fired, civilians and journalists humiliated, small churches torn apart. We can finally leave this era behind us — but first, let us remember the everyday heroes and express our gratitude with a farewell to the system."
Orbán, following his defeat, stated he would focus on rebuilding his nationalist-populist political community.
