After 16 years in power in Hungary, Viktor Orbán has lost his mandate following the rise of Tisza party leader Péter Magyar. Despite his past ties to Fidesz, Magyar presented himself to Hungarian society as the perfect insider to tackle corruption from within.
This week, Brussels has woken up to hopes of change in Budapest. In EU corridors, there is an expectation of a political shift that could unlock economic aid to Ukraine in the European Council. Sources close to Tisza express optimism, telling Digital Shield that the rule of law and European values will return to Hungary.
Some young Hungarians at the European Parliament described the situation to this outlet as “a breath of fresh air” and “freedom”. Much of this demographic –key to Magyar’s electoral success due to their strong presence on social media– had never experienced a government without Viktor Orbán. They now hope that programmes such as Erasmus+ will once again be strengthened in Hungarian universities.
At the political level, the atmosphere in the hemicycle has also been largely positive. Representatives from the left and the Greens welcomed the result. “Hungarians have chosen democracy and Europe over Russia,” said MEP Terry Reintke. The leader of the Party of European Socialists (PES), Iratxe García, also expressed satisfaction, in line with liberals and conservatives.
Tisza in Brussels
Although Magyar is a newcomer to national politics, Tisza is no stranger to Brussels. The party secured 29.5% of the vote in the last European elections and currently holds seven seats within the European People’s Party (EPP). Hungary has therefore not shifted away from the right, but it may be moving away from its previous resistance to Brussels, showing a clearer willingness to engage with the European Union.
The relationship between Péter Magyar and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen –who also leads the EPP– is not considered particularly stable within the Parliament, despite her message on social media celebrating the result: “Hungary has chosen Europe. Europe has always chosen Hungary. A country returns to its European path. The Union grows stronger.”
Tisza was among the few parties within the EPP to oppose the Mercosur deal, as reflected in the vote. Digital Shield previously reported internal divisions within the group over von der Leyen’s handling of the agreement, with criticism over the lack of transparency and consultation with Parliament.
According to Político, Magyar and his colleagues also failed to attend a key vote in January, which was seen as a breach of discipline and resulted in financial penalties. Nevertheless, party sources insist that under their government, the rule of law will be restored and European values reinstated.
Ukraine policy at the centre of uncertainty
During his year and a half as an MEP, Péter Magyar supported holding a referendum on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, although he rejected any fast-track entry without prior consultation. In the European Parliament, Tisza has also shown hesitation regarding military aid to Kyiv and voted against a €90 billion support package on February 11, 2026.
During the campaign, Magyar sought to keep his distance from this particularly sensitive issue for Hungary, given that around 90% of its oil and 80% of its gas imports come from Russia. As a result, there is ongoing caution regarding his future stance in the European Council.
Domestic polls suggest he should avoid taking an overly open position on the matter, despite it being a key priority for the EU, which aims to cut all Russian gas supplies by 2027 –a target that Magyar himself considers unfeasible before 2035.
A vacant seat and a limited Brussels presence
Péter Magyar will give up his seat as an MEP to assume office as prime minister. According to sources, his colleague Zoltán Tarr may do the same. These vacancies are expected to be filled by the next candidates on the Tisza list.
As for his relationship with Brussels, several sources told Digital Shield that Magyar has only visited the EU capital on a few occasions, due to his intensive national campaign, during which he reportedly visited up to six towns per day.
A position yet to be defined
In conclusion, most European leaders have expressed enthusiasm about the new political phase opening in Budapest, despite the fact that Magyar is a relatively recent figure, whose first public appearance dates back just two years in an interview on YouTube.
Uncertainty over key EU issues, particularly Ukraine policy, means that next week could prove decisive. EU leaders will meet at the European Council on April 23–24, a summit that may serve as an opportunity for member states to seek greater clarity from Hungary’s new prime minister.
After 16 years in power in Hungary, Viktor Orbán has lost his mandate following the rise of Tisza party leader Péter Magyar. Despite his past ties to Fidesz, Magyar presented himself to Hungarian society as the perfect insider to tackle corruption from within.
This week, Brussels has woken up to hopes of change in Budapest. In EU corridors, there is an expectation of a political shift that could unlock economic aid to Ukraine in the European Council. Sources close to Tisza express optimism, telling Digital Shield that the rule of law and European values will return to Hungary.
Some young Hungarians at the European Parliament described the situation to this outlet as “a breath of fresh air” and “freedom”. Much of this demographic –key to Magyar’s electoral success due to their strong presence on social media– had never experienced a government without Viktor Orbán. They now hope that programmes such as Erasmus+ will once again be strengthened in Hungarian universities.
At the political level, the atmosphere in the hemicycle has also been largely positive. Representatives from the left and the Greens welcomed the result. “Hungarians have chosen democracy and Europe over Russia,” said MEP Terry Reintke. The leader of the Party of European Socialists (PES), Iratxe García, also expressed satisfaction, in line with liberals and conservatives.
Tisza in Brussels
Although Magyar is a newcomer to national politics, Tisza is no stranger to Brussels. The party secured 29.5% of the vote in the last European elections and currently holds seven seats within the European People’s Party (EPP). Hungary has therefore not shifted away from the right, but it may be moving away from its previous resistance to Brussels, showing a clearer willingness to engage with the European Union.
The relationship between Péter Magyar and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen –who also leads the EPP– is not considered particularly stable within the Parliament, despite her message on social media celebrating the result: “Hungary has chosen Europe. Europe has always chosen Hungary. A country returns to its European path. The Union grows stronger.”
Tisza was among the few parties within the EPP to oppose the Mercosur deal, as reflected in the vote. Digital Shield previously reported internal divisions within the group over von der Leyen’s handling of the agreement, with criticism over the lack of transparency and consultation with Parliament.
According to Político, Magyar and his colleagues also failed to attend a key vote in January, which was seen as a breach of discipline and resulted in financial penalties. Nevertheless, party sources insist that under their government, the rule of law will be restored and European values reinstated.
Ukraine policy at the centre of uncertainty
During his year and a half as an MEP, Péter Magyar supported holding a referendum on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, although he rejected any fast-track entry without prior consultation. In the European Parliament, Tisza has also shown hesitation regarding military aid to Kyiv and voted against a €90 billion support package on February 11, 2026.
During the campaign, Magyar sought to keep his distance from this particularly sensitive issue for Hungary, given that around 90% of its oil and 80% of its gas imports come from Russia. As a result, there is ongoing caution regarding his future stance in the European Council.
Domestic polls suggest he should avoid taking an overly open position on the matter, despite it being a key priority for the EU, which aims to cut all Russian gas supplies by 2027 –a target that Magyar himself considers unfeasible before 2035.
A vacant seat and a limited Brussels presence
Péter Magyar will give up his seat as an MEP to assume office as prime minister. According to sources, his colleague Zoltán Tarr may do the same. These vacancies are expected to be filled by the next candidates on the Tisza list.
As for his relationship with Brussels, several sources told Digital Shield that Magyar has only visited the EU capital on a few occasions, due to his intensive national campaign, during which he reportedly visited up to six towns per day.
A position yet to be defined
In conclusion, most European leaders have expressed enthusiasm about the new political phase opening in Budapest, despite the fact that Magyar is a relatively recent figure, whose first public appearance dates back just two years in an interview on YouTube.
Uncertainty over key EU issues, particularly Ukraine policy, means that next week could prove decisive. EU leaders will meet at the European Council on April 23–24, a summit that may serve as an opportunity for member states to seek greater clarity from Hungary’s new prime minister.