Péter Magyar, the former leader of Viktor Orbán’s party, meets with Hungary’s president to secure a swift transition of power following a decisive election win

Hungary’s newly elected leader, Péter Magyar, has initiated discussions with the nation’s president, Tamás Sulyok, to expedite the handover of authority after securing a major electoral victory on Sunday. Sulyok, who has resisted Magyar’s call for resignation, is anticipated to name him as the next prime minister. Magyar emphasized the urgency of assuming office by late April, marking his first public appearances on state media in 18 months.

Magyar’s campaign and media criticism

Magyar’s political rise began in March 2024 when he split from Orbán’s Fidesz party. Over two years, he amassed broad public backing for his Tisza party, which ousted the ruling coalition with a two-thirds parliamentary majority. He accused Orbán’s allies of seizing control of 70-80% of the media, spreading 300 daily falsehoods and barring his party from state TV appearances. This changed on Wednesday, with Magyar appearing on Kossuth radio and M1 TV to announce plans to suspend their coverage and establish a new media authority.

“Every Hungary deserves a public service media that broadcasts the truth,” Magyar stated on Kossuth radio. “I am not seeking personal revenge, though my family has been insulted without end.”

EU funding and policy shifts

Magyar’s focus extends beyond domestic reforms, as he aims to reverse Orbán’s policies that transformed Hungary into an “electoral autocracy” according to the European Parliament. The country’s economy has faced stagnation, and Magyar spoke with Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, to address frozen EU funds. Over €17bn in aid has been withheld, with an additional €16bn pending for defense loans. Von der Leyen highlighted the need for “swift work to restore the rule of law and realign with shared European values.”

Orbán’s lingering influence

Despite his electoral loss, Orbán is expected to serve as caretaker prime minister during an EU summit in Cyprus from 23 to 34 April. EU leaders are pressuring Hungary to lift his veto on €90bn in Ukraine aid, which he imposed last December. Magyar dismissed the veto as irrelevant, noting Hungary was one of three nations to opt out of the loan. Uncertainty remains about how the veto will be rescinded and whether Orbán will play a role in its removal.

Orbán’s public message

Orbán, who has remained largely silent since his defeat, posted on Facebook to signal his intent to rebuild his political base: “The work begins. Let’s reorganise ourselves and keep fighting for the Hungarian people!” His silence has not deterred speculation about his continued influence in the country’s transition.