Pro-European conservative Peter Magyar was ceremonially sworn in as Hungary’s new prime minister on Saturday, pledging “regime change” after nationalist Viktor Orban’s 16 years in power.
The former government-turned-critic swept to a landslide victory last month, marking a clear break from his predecessor.
“I will not rule over Hungary; I will serve my country,” Magyar said after swearing in parliament, as tens of thousands of supporters gathered outside along the Danube, watching on giant screens.
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He vowed swift action, saying one of his government’s first steps would be to set up an independent office to investigate corruption over the past 20 years and reclaim public assets from those who “earned them ill-gotten gains”.
Magyar, 45, also wants to undo the changes introduced under Orban – who fostered close ties with US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin – that erodes justice, the media, universities and other institutions.
He also said his government will review the constitutional system to ensure power is never over-concentrated.
His Tisza party won 141 of parliament’s 199 seats, a comfortable two-thirds majority with the power to change the constitution and push through key reforms.
Among Magyar’s most urgent priorities is unlocking billions of euros on EU funds frozen by Brussels over rule of law concerns.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated him on X, hailing “the hope and promise of renewal in these challenging times”.
High expectations
Hungary faces a stagnant economy and deteriorating public services – analysts say the problems require deep structural reforms.
“There is a lot of patience and goodwill towards the new government, but expectations are high and must also be met in the short term,” said Andrea Virag, director of strategy at the liberal think tank Institut Republikon.
In his inaugural speech, Magyar said many state institutions had “shattered” public trust, repeating his earlier call for President Tamas Sulyok and other Orbán allies to resign by the end of the month.
Earlier in the session, Sulyok offered “constructive cooperation” with the new government.
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Orban said last month that he would not take his seat in parliament – the first time since Hungary’s transition to democracy in 1990.
He also skipped Saturday’s ceremony, breaking with decades of tradition.
The 62-year-old, who has openly defended “illiberal democracy” and curtailing rights, said he would instead focus on “reorganizing the national camp”.
‘reconciliation’
Lawmakers on Saturday overwhelmingly elected hotelier Agnes Forsthoffer as speaker of the parliament. In a symbolic gesture to what she called a “return to Europe”, she ordered the European Union flag to be reinstated outside parliament.
Forsthoffer is among several women tapped for top roles by Tisza, who has promised wider representation than Orban’s coalition.
History teacher Krisztian Koszegi was elected the first Roma vice president of Hungary. Other appointments include lawyer Vilmos Katai-Nemeth as minister of social and family affairs, who would be the country’s first visually impaired cabinet member.
Celebrations in and around parliament were heavy on symbolism, featuring flags and music highlighting Hungary’s EU membership, its Roma minority and ethnic Hungarians living in neighboring countries.
“Magyar seeks to show that he represents a form of national unity and reconciliation after Orbán’s divisive politics,” Virag said.
“With the celebrations he also wants to show that it was not just a change of government, but a start of a new era,” she added.
Center-left and liberal parties will be absent from parliament for the first time since 1990.
(bms)
