Peter Magyar Sworn In as Hungary's New Prime Minister After Ending Orban Era

Peter Magyar was sworn in as Hungary's Prime Minister on Saturday, May 9, 2026, following his Tisza party's landslide victory in the April 12 election, which ended Viktor Orban's 16-year tenure. The 45-year-old former government insider, who campaigned on 'regime change,' secured 141 of 199 parliamentary seats, giving his party a two-thirds majority to enact constitutional amendments and anti-corruption reforms.

Magyar's agenda includes reversing Orban-era changes to the judiciary, media, and academia, and restoring compliance with EU rule-of-law standards to release billions in suspended European funds. He has called for Orban allies to resign and halt capital outflows, while appointing a diverse cabinet, including lawyer Vilmos Katai-Nemeth as Hungary's first visually impaired minister and Roma history teacher Krisztian Koszegi as Deputy Parliament Speaker.

The inaugural parliamentary session began at 10:00 a.m. local time (0800 GMT), with Magyar set to be formally elected Prime Minister and deliver a speech to supporters outside parliament. The ceremony, broadcast on large screens around the building, featured symbolic nods to Hungary's EU membership and ethnic minorities.

Agnes Forsthoffer, a hotelier, was elected parliament speaker, marking a shift toward broader representation under the new government. Magyar previously met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss re-engagement with Brussels.

Analysts warn that while public and international goodwill is high, the new government faces urgent economic stagnation and degraded public services requiring immediate action. The court will resume hearing on Tuesday.