News Desk
Last Updated: 09 May 2026, 09:58 PM IST
Magyar, a 45-year-old lawyer and former insider in Orban’s political circle, founded Tisza in 2024 and rapidly transformed it into a dominant force in Hungarian politics
Hungary’s incoming Prime Minister Peter Magyar delivers a speech during his swearing-in ceremony at the Hungarian parliament in Budapest on May 9, 2026 (Photo: AFP)
Budapest: Peter Magyar has been sworn in as Hungary’s new prime minister, marking the end of Viktor Orban’s 16-year rule after a dramatic election victory that reshaped the country’s political landscape.
Magyar’s centre-right Tisza Party secured a decisive win in last month’s election, defeating Orban’s Fidesz–KDNP alliance and winning a commanding two-thirds majority in parliament.
The result gives Tisza significant legislative power, enabling it to reverse many of the policies introduced during Orban’s tenure, which critics had long described as increasingly authoritarian and centralised.
Taking the oath of office in Hungary’s parliament on Saturday, Magyar pledged to serve rather than rule, telling lawmakers: “I stand here because millions of Hungarians decided that they want change.” He described his new role as both an honour and a responsibility shaped by public trust.
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Magyar, a 45-year-old lawyer and former insider in Orban’s political circle, founded Tisza in 2024 and rapidly transformed it into a dominant force in Hungarian politics.
His victory is expected to significantly shift Hungary’s position within the European Union, particularly after years of frequent clashes between Budapest and Brussels over issues including rule of law and support for Ukraine.
Inside parliament, Tisza now holds 141 seats in the 199-member chamber, compared with Fidesz-KDNP’s 52 seats and six held by the far-right Mi Hazank Mozgalom.
Orban was notably absent from the swearing-in ceremony, the first time he has not been present in a Hungarian parliament inauguration since 1990.
Outside parliament in Budapest, thousands gathered in Kossuth Square to mark what Magyar called a “regime change” moment, celebrating what supporters view as the end of an era.
The new parliament also reflects a historic increase in female representation, with 54 women elected, most from Tisza marking the highest proportion in Hungary’s legislative history.
Published: 09 May 2026, 09:58 pm IST
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