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.
About the author
La CEDEAO se prononce sur la réforme togolaise
La Cour de justice de la CEDEAO a rendu une décision importante concernant la réforme constitutionnelle adoptée au Togo en mars 2024. Dans son arrêt du 29 janvier, la juridiction communautaire a estimé que certaines dispositions de cette réforme étaient contraires aux engagements démocratiques souscrits par le pays au niveau régional. L'affaire avait été portée devant la Cour par plusieurs partis politiques de l'opposition ainsi que des organisations de défense des droits humains. Les requérants contestaient la réforme qui a conduit au passage de la Quatrième à la Cinquième République et qui a profondément modifié l'architecture institutionnelle du pays. Adoptée par l'Assemblée nationale en mars 2024, la réforme a instauré un régime parlementaire en remplacement du système semi-présidentiel en vigueur jusque-là. Elle a notamment supprimé l'élection du président de la République au suffrage universel direct et créé la fonction de […]
UN Report Alleges Israel Targeted Palestinian Children
A United Nations commission of inquiry has accused Israel of deliberately targeting Palestinian children during its military operations in Gaza, alleging actions that may constitute genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes under international law. In a newly released report, the commission stated that Israeli authorities and security forces were responsible for acts that caused death, severe injuries, and psychological trauma to large numbers of Palestinian children. The report further claims that such actions continued even after a ceasefire agreement was reached in Gaza in October 2025. According to the commission, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the harm inflicted on children forms part of a broader strategy aimed at weakening the future of the Palestinian population by targeting its younger generation. The findings were issued by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and […]
Trump Welcomes Colombia Election Result
Former US President Donald Trump has welcomed preliminary results from Colombia’s presidential run-off election, predicting stronger ties between Washington and Bogotá after early vote counts placed conservative candidate Abelardo de la Espriella ahead of his rival. According to the initial tally released after Sunday’s vote, de la Espriella secured a narrow lead over left-wing contender Iván Cepeda. The margin separating the two candidates was less than one percentage point, making it one of the closest presidential races in Colombia’s recent history. Despite the preliminary outcome, Cepeda has not conceded defeat. He has called for patience while election authorities complete the verification and cross-checking process, which is expected to take several days before final results are confirmed. Trump, who publicly supported de la Espriella during the campaign, expressed confidence in the result and said he anticipated a significant improvement in relations […]
Kenya Halts US-Funded Ebola Facility Project
Kenya's Health Minister Aden Duale has ordered an immediate halt to the construction of a US-backed Ebola quarantine facility in Nanyuki, following legal pressure over the government's failure to comply with a court ruling. The decision came a day after the High Court found the minister in contempt for allowing work on the project to continue despite an earlier judicial order suspending construction. Appearing before the court on Tuesday, Duale issued an apology and confirmed that all activities at the site had been stopped. The planned 50-bed isolation center, located within a military installation in Nanyuki, is intended to accommodate US citizens suspected of being exposed to Ebola during the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Last month, the High Court ordered a temporary suspension of the project pending the hearing of a petition filed by the Katiba […]
Europe Heatwave Linked to 40 Drownings in France
France has reported 40 heatwave-related drowning deaths since last Thursday, as extreme temperatures continue to affect large parts of Europe. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu as several countries face record-breaking heat and growing public health concerns. French authorities have warned residents against swimming in unsupervised rivers, lakes, and canals in an attempt to escape the heat. Sports and Youth Minister Marina Ferrari stressed that many people underestimate the dangers of natural waterways during periods of extreme weather. France, Spain, and Italy remain among the countries most affected by the current heatwave. On Monday, France recorded its hottest June day ever, followed by its warmest June night on record. According to Météo France, the average minimum temperature reached 21.6°C, while more than half of the country remained under the highest level of heat alert. Several tragic incidents […]
Kara soutient l’insertion des personnes handicapées
Les autorités togolaises ont procédé lundi à Kara à la remise de kits d’installation professionnelle à des personnes en situation de handicap évoluant dans 25 secteurs d’activités différents. Cette action s’inscrit dans le cadre d’un programme destiné à renforcer leur autonomie économique et leur intégration dans le monde du travail. À travers cette initiative, le gouvernement entend favoriser l’insertion socioprofessionnelle des personnes handicapées en leur offrant les moyens nécessaires pour créer, développer ou consolider leurs activités génératrices de revenus. Les bénéficiaires ont reçu divers équipements adaptés à leurs métiers respectifs afin de faciliter leur accès à l’emploi et d’améliorer leurs conditions de travail. Le projet vise à accroître les opportunités économiques offertes aux personnes vivant avec un handicap et à encourager leur participation active au développement du pays. En parallèle, plusieurs dispositifs d’assistance ont été distribués pour améliorer la mobilité […]
Related
US waives Iran sanctions as Trump warns Tehran
The United States has waived sanctions on Iran for 60 days following the first round of talks linked to a new peace agreement. The waiver is part of an early step meant to ease tensions and support the talks. It allows Tehran to resume limited oil sales and receive payments during the 60-day period. US President Donald Trump said he would take action if Iran fails to respect the terms of the deal. He warned that Washington would respond if Tehran does not keep its side of the agreement. The move marks a temporary shift in US policy toward Iran and comes as both sides test the fragile peace process.
UN Report Alleges Israel Targeted Palestinian Children
A United Nations commission of inquiry has accused Israel of deliberately targeting Palestinian children during its military operations in Gaza, alleging actions that may constitute genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes under international law. In a newly released report, the commission stated that Israeli authorities and security forces were responsible for acts that caused death, severe injuries, and psychological trauma to large numbers of Palestinian children. The report further claims that such actions continued even after a ceasefire agreement was reached in Gaza in October 2025. According to the commission, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the harm inflicted on children forms part of a broader strategy aimed at weakening the future of the Palestinian population by targeting its younger generation. The findings were issued by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and […]
Trump Welcomes Colombia Election Result
Former US President Donald Trump has welcomed preliminary results from Colombia’s presidential run-off election, predicting stronger ties between Washington and Bogotá after early vote counts placed conservative candidate Abelardo de la Espriella ahead of his rival. According to the initial tally released after Sunday’s vote, de la Espriella secured a narrow lead over left-wing contender Iván Cepeda. The margin separating the two candidates was less than one percentage point, making it one of the closest presidential races in Colombia’s recent history. Despite the preliminary outcome, Cepeda has not conceded defeat. He has called for patience while election authorities complete the verification and cross-checking process, which is expected to take several days before final results are confirmed. Trump, who publicly supported de la Espriella during the campaign, expressed confidence in the result and said he anticipated a significant improvement in relations […]
Kenya Halts US-Funded Ebola Facility Project
Kenya's Health Minister Aden Duale has ordered an immediate halt to the construction of a US-backed Ebola quarantine facility in Nanyuki, following legal pressure over the government's failure to comply with a court ruling. The decision came a day after the High Court found the minister in contempt for allowing work on the project to continue despite an earlier judicial order suspending construction. Appearing before the court on Tuesday, Duale issued an apology and confirmed that all activities at the site had been stopped. The planned 50-bed isolation center, located within a military installation in Nanyuki, is intended to accommodate US citizens suspected of being exposed to Ebola during the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Last month, the High Court ordered a temporary suspension of the project pending the hearing of a petition filed by the Katiba […]
Europe Heatwave Linked to 40 Drownings in France
France has reported 40 heatwave-related drowning deaths since last Thursday, as extreme temperatures continue to affect large parts of Europe. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu as several countries face record-breaking heat and growing public health concerns. French authorities have warned residents against swimming in unsupervised rivers, lakes, and canals in an attempt to escape the heat. Sports and Youth Minister Marina Ferrari stressed that many people underestimate the dangers of natural waterways during periods of extreme weather. France, Spain, and Italy remain among the countries most affected by the current heatwave. On Monday, France recorded its hottest June day ever, followed by its warmest June night on record. According to Météo France, the average minimum temperature reached 21.6°C, while more than half of the country remained under the highest level of heat alert. Several tragic incidents […]
England and Ghana target last 32 as Portugal seek boost
England and Ghana are both aiming to secure a place in the World Cup last 32 when they meet in a Group L clash on Tuesday. England opened their campaign with a strong 4-2 win over Croatia, while Ghana began with a 1-0 victory over Panama. Both sides now sit on three points and know that another win could take them through to the knockout stage. The match is expected to be closely contested because both teams are in good position to qualify. England will be looking to build on their opening performance, while Ghana will hope to continue their strong start. In another major storyline from the tournament, Portugal are hoping to get their campaign back on track after a disappointing opening result. The team is under pressure to respond quickly and improve their chances of reaching the next […]