Péter Magyar Sworn in as Hungary’s Prime Minister, Ending Orbán Era/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Péter Magyar was sworn in as Hungary’s new prime minister, ending Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule. Magyar’s Tisza party secured a historic parliamentary supermajority and pledged democratic reforms. The new government plans to restore EU ties, investigate corruption and reduce Russian influence.
Hungary Political Transition Quick Looks
- Péter Magyar officially becomes Hungary’s prime minister
- Viktor Orbán exits power after 16 years
- Tisza party wins two-thirds parliamentary majority
- EU flags return to Parliament building
- New government promises anti-corruption investigations
- Hungary aims to rebuild Western alliances
Deep Look
Péter Magyar Sworn In As Hungary’s New Prime Minister
Péter Magyar officially took office Saturday as Hungary’s new prime minister, ending the 16-year rule of longtime nationalist leader Viktor Orbán.
Magyar’s center-right Tisza party achieved a historic landslide victory in last month’s elections, securing a two-thirds parliamentary majority and delivering one of the biggest political upsets in modern Hungarian history.
The result marked the end of Orbán’s dominance over Hungarian politics, which had reshaped the country’s judiciary, media environment and relations with the European Union over more than a decade and a half.
In his inaugural speech before lawmakers in Budapest, Magyar pledged to govern with humility and focus on rebuilding democratic institutions.
“I’m not standing here because I’m different from anyone else in the country,” Magyar told Parliament. “I stand here because millions of Hungarians decided that they want change.”
He added: “This trust that we have received is both a weight of honor and a moral obligation, but also a wonderful feeling.”
Orbán Era Ends After Sixteen Years In Power
Orbán’s absence from the new Parliament symbolized a dramatic turning point for Hungary.
For the first time since Hungary’s first post-Communist Parliament formed in 1990, Orbán was not among lawmakers taking the oath of office.
His Fidesz coalition suffered a devastating defeat, dropping from 135 parliamentary seats to just 52.
Magyar, a 45-year-old lawyer and former Fidesz insider, founded Tisza in 2024 after breaking with Orbán’s government. He rapidly emerged as the face of a broad anti-Orbán coalition fueled by frustration over corruption allegations, economic stagnation and Hungary’s increasing isolation within Europe.
Outside Parliament, thousands gathered on Budapest’s Kossuth Square waving Hungarian and European Union flags while celebrating what Magyar described as a “regime-change” moment for the country.
Cheers erupted repeatedly from the crowd whenever Magyar appeared on giant outdoor screens broadcasting the parliamentary proceedings.
New Government Promises Democratic Reforms
Magyar pledged sweeping institutional reforms aimed at restoring democratic checks and balances that critics argue were weakened during Orbán’s rule.
He promised to investigate alleged corruption involving former government officials and their allies while creating a new National Asset Recovery and Protection Office tasked with recovering public funds allegedly misused during the previous administration.
“We must understand, however, that there can be no new beginning without reconciliation,” Magyar told lawmakers. “There can be no reconciliation without justice. And there can be no justice without confronting the past.”
The new administration also plans to suspend the news services of Hungary’s public broadcaster, which critics long accused of functioning as a propaganda outlet for Orbán’s government.
Many supporters attending Saturday’s inauguration said they expect the new leadership to restore political transparency and strengthen democratic institutions.
Hungary Signals Return Toward European Union
One of Magyar’s top priorities will be repairing Hungary’s relationship with the European Union.
Under Orbán, Hungary frequently clashed with Brussels over rule-of-law concerns, media restrictions and judicial independence. Orbán also drew criticism for strengthening ties with Russia while opposing some EU sanctions and aid packages involving Ukraine.
In a symbolic gesture Saturday, the European Union flag was raised again over Hungary’s Parliament building for the first time since Orbán’s government removed it in 2014.
Magyar has promised to restore Hungary’s standing among Western democracies and unlock approximately 17 billion euros in frozen EU funding currently withheld over corruption and governance concerns.
Supporters at the inauguration expressed hope that Hungary would move away from Russian influence and return to stronger European cooperation.
“I would also really like it if we could get rid of the Russian influence as soon as possible,” attendee Áron Farsang told the Associated Press. “I’m thinking about energy dependency and their general political style.”
Women Gain Historic Representation In Parliament
The new Parliament also marked a milestone for female political representation in Hungary.
The 199-member legislature now includes 54 women lawmakers — the highest number in the country’s history — with most belonging to the Tisza party.
Hungary previously ranked near the bottom among EU nations for female representation in government during Orbán’s leadership.
Economist Andrea Szepesi, who attended Saturday’s celebrations, described the change as an important sign of democratic renewal.
“Finally, women are able to participate in this new, beautiful democratic system and the flourishing of the country,” she said.
Hungary Faces Economic And Political Challenges Ahead
Despite the celebratory atmosphere surrounding Magyar’s inauguration, Hungary’s new government faces major challenges.
The Hungarian economy has struggled through years of stagnation, inflation pressures and weakened investor confidence. Unlocking frozen EU funds will likely be critical for stabilizing public finances and restoring economic growth.
At the same time, Magyar must navigate divisions within Hungarian society after years of deeply polarized politics under Orbán.
Still, Saturday’s inauguration marked one of the most significant political transitions in Central Europe in recent years and could reshape Hungary’s domestic politics and international alliances for the foreseeable future.
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