Hungarys New Prime Minister Peter Magyar Takes Office

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar Sworn In After Historic Election Victory

Peter Magyar, the leader of the centre-right Tisza party, has been sworn in as Hungary’s new prime minister, marking a significant shift in the country’s politics after 16 years under Viktor Orban’s leadership. The Tisza party secured a majority of 141 seats out of 199 parliamentary seats, with Magyar promising change and reform.

A ceremony was held at the parliament building, where the European Union flag was displayed for the first time in 12 years. Agnes Forsthoffer, the newly appointed parliamentary speaker, made her first decision as speaker to reinstate the EU flag, describing it as a “symbolic step towards Europe”.

Magyar’s new government faces several challenges, including restoring relations with the European Union, reviving the economy, and addressing a budget deficit. The prime minister aims to strike a deal with the EU that would unlock around $20 billion in frozen funding.

The previous government, led by Orban, had taken steps to distance Hungary from the EU and deepen ties with Russia. Magyar’s predecessor used his veto power to oppose sanctions on Russia and block support for Ukraine. Theofanis Exadaktylos, a professor of European politics at the University of Surrey, noted that Magyar will need to prove himself different from Orban while dealing with the bureaucracy left behind by his predecessor.

Magyar’s rise to prime minister is seen as a remarkable feat, given his relatively unknown status in Hungarian politics until early 2024. He had previously been a prominent member of Orban’s ruling Fidesz party before becoming embroiled in a public dispute with the party leader.

Source: Al Jazeera