BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) - Hungarian election winner Péter Magyar announced the initial lineup of his upcoming government's Cabinet on Monday. This announcement followed the first meeting of his parliamentary group's party, the center-right Tisza party, which recently celebrated a significant victory over the long-standing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Magyar and his party achieved a remarkable triumph in the elections held on April 12, 2026, securing a two-thirds majority in Hungary's parliament. The Tisza party won 141 out of 199 seats, marking the largest parliamentary majority in Hungary's post-Communist history. In stark contrast, Orbán's far-right, euroskeptic Fidesz party saw its representation decrease from 135 seats to just 52.
In his victory, Magyar has pledged to revitalize democratic institutions and reinforce the rule of law, which suffered during Orbán’s 16 years in power. He has expressed his commitment to ensuring accountability for those involved in what he describes as widespread official corruption under the previous administration.
At the press conference in Budapest on Monday, Magyar, who is poised to become Hungary's next prime minister, disclosed his Cabinet nominations, including Anita Orbán for minister of foreign affairs, István Kapitány for the minister of economy and energy, and András Kármán for the minister of finance. In a significant shift, he announced plans to expand the number of ministries from the current 12 to 16, indicating an intention to overhaul the existing governmental structure.
Further expanding on his vision, Magyar stated that his government plans to create separate ministries dedicated to health, environmental protection, and education—departments that did not operate under Orbán's rule. He emphasized the importance of establishing a government that would earn the trust of the Hungarian people.
In terms of parliamentary procedures, Magyar confirmed that the inaugural session for the new parliament would be held on May 9 or 10, 2026. During this session, the parliament will immediately elect the prime minister, followed shortly by the confirmation of Cabinet appointments.
With these developments, Magyar's leadership heralds a potential turning point for Hungary's political landscape, moving away from Orbán's controversial policies and toward an agenda aimed at restoring democratic values and government accountability.
Justin Spike, The Associated Press
