Péter Magyar, the figure who ended Viktor Orbán’s sixteen-year tenure, is scheduled to meet with Hungary’s president. This meeting follows a decisive victory on Sunday and aims to facilitate a swift transfer of power. President Tamás Sulyok, who has thus far declined Magyar’s request to resign, is widely anticipated to endorse Magyar as the subsequent prime minister. Magyar has indicated the necessity of assuming office by approximately May 5th.
New Leadership’s Media Stance
Hungary’s designated next prime minister made his first public radio and television appearances in eighteen months on Wednesday. During these broadcasts, he explicitly stated his intention to halt the current news coverage, which he has characterized as propaganda. Separately, U.S. President Donald Trump commented on Magyar, describing him as a “good man,” despite his prior campaign support for Orbán.
“I believe the new individual will perform competently,” Trump informed ABC News reporter Jonathan Karl. Trump had previously urged Hungarians to participate in the election and vote for his friend and close associate, Orbán.
Orbán’s Party and Magyar’s Platform
The outgoing prime minister also received an invitation to Wednesday’s meeting with President Sulyok. Magyar departed from Orbán’s party in March 2024. Over the subsequent two years, he garnered broad public support for his Tisza party. This collective backing led to the displacement of the ruling Fidesz party on Sunday, securing a significant majority – specifically, two-thirds of the parliamentary seats.
Allegations of Media Control and Plans for Reform
Magyar asserted that an estimated 70% to 80% of Hungary’s media landscape had been appropriated by Orbán’s allies. He further alleged that these outlets disseminated false information daily, amounting to 300 lies about him and his party, and denied him any opportunity for exposure on state television.
This situation, however, began to shift on Wednesday. Magyar participated in a thirty-minute broadcast on the state-run Kossuth radio, followed by an appearance on M1 TV. During these appearances, he reiterated his objective to suspend existing news coverage and establish a new broadcasting authority tasked with safeguarding press freedom.
“Every Hungarian citizen deserves a public service media that conveys factual information,” Magyar stated on Kossuth radio. He clarified that his actions were not motivated by personal retribution, despite he and his family enduring daily insults.
His interviews were at times confrontational, as he informed the television and radio hosts that their respective organizations had broadcast propaganda.
Addressing Corruption and EU Relations
Magyar is reportedly eager to reverse years of policies enacted by Orbán, which critics contend transformed Hungary into what the European Parliament termed an “electoral autocracy.” Public discontent had been fueled by persistent scandals involving corruption and cronyism. Magyar has spoken about his predecessor’s administration allegedly exploiting the nation.
Billions of euros in funding from the European Union had been withheld due to concerns over the rule of law and related matters. Magyar reportedly engaged with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday to discuss measures for reinstating this funding.
Hungary’s economic performance has been sluggish for some time. Von der Leyen commented on the necessity for “swift work to be done to… restore the rule of law. Realign with our shared European values.” An estimated €17 billion (£14.8 billion) remains suspended. Hungary is also anticipating the approval of an additional €16 billion in defense loans.
International Diplomacy and Ukraine Aid
In a notable development, Orbán is expected to continue serving as caretaker prime minister during an informal summit of EU leaders in Cyprus, scheduled for April 23rd-24th. European leaders are actively pressing Hungary to retract a veto imposed by Orbán on €90 billion in aid designated for Ukraine, a measure enacted in the weeks preceding the election.
Magyar has clearly stated his view that the veto is not relevant, as Hungary was among the three nations that opted out of the loan package to Ukraine last December. The process for lifting this veto and the extent of Orbán’s involvement remain unclear.
Orbán’s Post-Election Statement
Orbán has remained largely silent since his significant election defeat. He posted a message on Facebook indicating his intent to reorganize his party. “The work begins,” the post read. “Let’s reorganise ourselves and keep fighting for the Hungarian people!”