BUDAPEST, Hungary – As incoming prime minister Péter Magyar prepares to take his oath of office in the ornate neo-Gothic parliament of Hungary on Saturday, a large crowd is expected to gather nearby to celebrate the end of Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule. This historic change of leadership follows a significant election victory for Magyar’s center-right Tisza party, which defeated Orbán’s Fidesz party—known for its nationalist-populist stance—achieving a landslide that marks the most substantial parliamentary success in Hungary’s post-Communist history.
Magyar’s victory provides a unique "earthquake mandate," allowing his administration to overturn numerous policies associated with Orbán’s controversial governance, which has been criticized as increasingly authoritarian. In particular, Magyar aims to address corruption that has plagued Hungarian politics, which he argues has limited economic opportunities for citizens. His government plans to unlock approximately €17 billion ($20 billion) in European Union funds that had been frozen during Orbán's administration due to ongoing concerns regarding the rule of law and corruption.
In addition to these financial efforts, Magyar is committed to re-establishing Hungary’s relationships with its EU counterparts, which had soured under Orbán's alignment with Russia. This commitment is symbolized by Tisza officials' decision to once again fly the EU flag on the parliament building, a move that recalls the era before Orbán’s government had it removed in 2014. The incoming prime minister seeks to restore Hungary's standing among Western democracies and rebuild a reputation that many believe was compromised during Orbán’s leadership.
While joy and celebration characterize the end of Orbán’s reign, many Hungarians who supported Tisza are looking for accountability for the perceived misconduct of the previous administration. Magyar is expected to establish the National Asset Recovery and Protection Office, aimed at investigating and recouping public funds misappropriated under Orbán. Furthermore, he has pledged to halt operations of Hungary's public broadcaster, which is widely viewed as a mouthpiece for Fidesz, until fairness and objectivity can be reinstated.
In terms of structural reforms, Tisza plans to undertake a significant reorganization of the government, creating individual ministries for health, environmental protection, and education—departments that were previously unrecognized or combined under Orbán's rule. Magyar is determined to bring expertise back into government management, nominating seasoned professionals for key cabinet roles. Notable appointments include diplomat Anita Orbán for the foreign affairs ministry, István Kapitány from Shell for the economy and energy ministry, and economist András Kármán for finance minister.
The swearing-in ceremony for Magyar is slated for around 3 p.m. local time on Saturday, after which he will address the crowd filled with supporters outside the parliament. The event promises entertaining performances and appearances by special guests. Additionally, Budapest's liberal mayor, Gergely Karácsony, has organized a separate “system-closing” party along the Danube River, acknowledging the struggles many have faced under Orbán's regime and expressing gratitude for those who fought against the government.
Karácsony’s remarks underscore the broader sense of closure being felt throughout Hungary: “Teachers fired, civilians and journalists humiliated, small churches torn apart. We can finally leave this era behind us.” The sentiment reflects a collective hope among many Hungarians for a new beginning under Magyar’s leadership, fostering a more accountable and transparent government.
