by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief, reporting from Budapest, Hungary
BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Hungary’s election winner, Péter Magyar, said Monday his government could be formed within weeks and re-establish relations with the European Union, including introducing the euro currency in 2031, after he ousted longtime pro-Russia strongman Viktor Orbán in the largest victory since the collapse of communism in 1989.
Speaking from a podium flanked by Hungarian flags at a crowded three-hour press conference in Budapest, Magyar said he would call the president to urgently convene parliament, aiming to take over from Orbán as prime minister as early as May 5.
With an overwhelming mandate, the 45-year-old Magyar pledged closer cooperation with European partners, signaling an end to years of Hungarian obstruction of EU-wide policies under Orbán.
Hungary’s Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó was notably absent when Prime Minister Orbán conceded defeat, with Magyar claiming Monday he had information that the minister was destroying sensitive documents, including those related to European Union sanctions. The foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment from journalists.
Some outgoing officials were reported to have kept a low public profile following the election defeat, though no formal transition process had yet been detailed.
TRANSITION UNDER SCRUTINY
Additionally, Magyar said Hungary would no longer serve as a haven for controversial foreign political figures, referring to Polish officials and a former North Macedonian prime minister who received asylum despite facing legal issues abroad over alleged wrongdoing while in office.
He said his government would restore the rule of law, overhaul state institutions, and create new ministries to address key challenges in healthcare, education, and environmental protection.
Magyar also confirmed plans to stabilize the economy and pursue eventual euro adoption, while reassessing Hungary’s strained finances.
SYSTEM CHANGE PROMISED
He stressed that voters had not backed a simple change of government but a “complete regime change,” pledging a clear break from Orbán’s political system.
Magyar said he intends to limit his own powers as prime minister, noting that a list of 63 violations hangs in his office that would force him to step down if committed.
The incoming government plans to dismantle what Magyar described as a state “propaganda machine,” reform public media, and restore press freedom.
A new anti-corruption body will be established to investigate abuses and recover what he called stolen public funds.
He added that politicians must not interfere in judicial processes, emphasizing the need for an independent legal system.
FOREIGN POLICY SHIFT
On foreign policy, Magyar said Hungary would pursue pragmatic but balanced relations, improving ties with neighboring countries and the European Union. He said his first foreign trip would be to Poland to meet Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who congratulated him on his victory, saying “Hungary will no longer be a puppet state for Russia” but would instead “return to Europe.”
Magyar described Ukraine as a victim of war, while opposing fast-track EU membership for Kyiv during the armed conflict. He signaled, however, that Hungary would no longer oppose a European Union 90 billion euro (about $106 billion) financial package, potentially ending a key veto under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, although further details were not immediately disclosed.
Magyar added that he would avoid vetoing “EU support mechanisms outright,” suggesting Hungary could “opt out of certain financial commitments” instead.
While open to dialogue with global leaders, including Russia’s leadership, he stressed Hungary would act independently of Moscow, Beijing, or Washington.
“Hungarians will write their own history,” Magyar said, thanking foreign governments for their willingness to cooperate.
EUROPE AND ECONOMY
Magyar’s center-right Tisza Party secured a two-thirds parliamentary majority, winning 138 of 199 seats, giving it broad powers to reverse Orbán-era legislation.
He pledged to unlock billions in frozen EU funds by implementing reforms addressing corruption and rule-of-law concerns.
Analysts say his government will face immediate pressure from Brussels to meet reform deadlines tied to the release of those funds.
Magyar also reiterated plans to introduce the euro by 2031, a move long resisted by Orbán’s government.
He emphasized economic stabilization and transparency as key priorities for his administration.
CHALLENGES AHEAD
Despite the sweeping victory, experts warn that key institutions remain staffed by Orbán-era loyalists with long-term mandates and ties to his right-wing Fidesz party.
Magyar has called on such officials, including the president, to step down voluntarily, though legal avenues for removal are limited.
Observers say dismantling entrenched political networks will be one of the biggest challenges for the new government.
Still, celebrations erupted across Budapest, where tens of thousands marked what many saw as a historic turning point.
Supporters expressed hope that Hungary would become more democratic, transparent, and firmly anchored in Europe.
“We did it! The young people went to vote. It will be difficult, but maybe we can breathe a sigh of relief and return to Europe,” Judit Bata, a teacher, told Worthy News.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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