Péter Magyar has officially been sworn in as Hungary’s new prime minister, marking the end of Viktor Orbán’s 16-year dominance over the country’s political landscape.
During the inauguration ceremony at the Hungarian parliament in Budapest, Magyar promised a leadership focused on public service rather than power. “I will not rule over Hungary — I will serve my country,” he declared after taking the oath of office.
His party, Tisza Party, secured a historic landslide victory in the recent legislative elections, winning 141 of the 199 parliamentary seats. The result is particularly remarkable given that the movement was founded only two years ago.
Large crowds were expected to gather along the Danube in Budapest for what supporters described as a “celebration of freedom and democracy”. Magyar called on Hungarians to embrace what he referred to as a “gateway of regime change”.
The defeat of Orbán’s Fidesz party was severe. The former ruling party dropped from 135 seats to just 52 and is now facing internal uncertainty. Orbán and several senior party figures have reportedly decided not to take their seats in parliament, while promising to eventually “rebuild the national side”.
The political transition has also intensified scrutiny over alleged corruption during the previous administration. Several accusations and investigations targeting figures linked to the former government have emerged in recent weeks.
Incoming Minister for Social Relations and Culture, Zoltán Tarr, warned that the new administration is inheriting a difficult economic situation. According to him, public finances have deteriorated following heavy government spending during Orbán’s final months in office.
The new authorities say they intend to reform governance practices and restore public confidence in state institutions. Magyar has repeatedly promised not only a change of government, but a complete “change of system”.
The incoming administration is also seeking to project an image of greater political integrity. Businessman György Wáberer recently revealed he had donated a significant amount of money to Tisza after switching support from Fidesz. Magyar later returned the funds in an effort to avoid controversy.
In another gesture aimed at reducing accusations of favoritism, Márton Melléthei-Barna, the prime minister’s brother-in-law, withdrew his candidacy for justice minister after criticism on social media.
The government insists it will avoid political revenge, but officials say individuals involved in financial crimes or misuse of public resources will face investigations under the rule of law.
Several probes are already underway. Authorities are reportedly examining companies linked to businessman Gyula Balásy, whose media empire benefited from major government contracts during the Orbán years.
Investigators are also looking into the management of Hungary’s National Cultural Fund and allegations that public funds may have been used to support political campaigns connected to Fidesz.
One of the biggest challenges facing the new government remains its relationship with the European Union. Around €17 billion in European funds remain frozen due to disputes between Brussels and the previous Hungarian administration over governance and rule-of-law concerns.
Migration policy and relations with Ukraine are also expected to remain sensitive issues. Although Magyar supports closer cooperation with the EU, he has maintained that Hungary still depends heavily on Russian oil and gas supplies in the short term.
Despite the challenges ahead, members of the new government say they are optimistic about rebuilding trust both domestically and internationally.
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