Transfer of Power and Presidential Meeting
Péter Magyar, the politician who ended Viktor Orbán's 16-year tenure as Hungary's prime minister, is currently meeting with President Tamás Sulyok to seek a rapid transfer of power following Magyar's landslide victory on Sunday.
President Sulyok, who has so far declined Magyar's request to resign, is widely anticipated to nominate Magyar as the next prime minister. Magyar has indicated that he aims to assume office by approximately 5 May.
Media Appearances and Plans for Public Broadcasting
On Wednesday, Magyar appeared on public radio and television for the first time in 18 months. During these appearances, he expressed his intention to suspend the current news coverage, which he criticized as propaganda.
Magyar stated that approximately 70-80% of Hungary's media outlets had been commandeered by allies of Orbán, who he said insulted him and his party with "300 lies every day," and that he was not allowed any appearances on state television during Orbán's administration.
However, this changed on Wednesday with a half-hour broadcast on state-run Kossuth radio, followed by an appearance on M1 TV. In these, Magyar confirmed his plan to suspend existing news coverage and establish a new broadcast authority to guarantee press freedom.
"Every Hungary deserves a public service media that broadcasts the truth," Magyar told Kossuth radio, adding that he was not seeking personal revenge despite the insults directed at him and his family "morning, noon and night."
His interviews were occasionally confrontational, as he told the TV and radio hosts that their outlets had disseminated propaganda.
Trump's Support and Political Context
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump described Magyar as a "good man," despite Magyar having actively campaigned against Orbán.
"I think the new man's going to do a good job," Trump told ABC News reporter Jonathan Karl. Trump had previously urged Hungarians to "get out and vote" for his friend and close ally, Orbán.
Political Developments and Party Dynamics
Magyar arrived at the presidential palace for talks shortly before 10:00 (08:00 GMT). The two other party leaders with parliamentary representation, including Orbán, were also invited to meet with President Sulyok.
Magyar broke away from Orbán's party in March 2024 and, over more than two years, gathered broad public support for his Tisza party. This party decisively defeated the ruling Fidesz party on Sunday, securing a so-called super-majority of two-thirds of the seats in parliament.
Policy Reversals and EU Relations
Magyar is eager to reverse years of Orbán's policies, which the European Parliament has described as creating an "electoral autocracy." Public dissatisfaction grew due to repeated scandals involving corruption and cronyism. Magyar has accused Orbán's administration of plundering the country.
Billions of euros in EU funding have been frozen due to concerns over the rule of law and other issues. On Tuesday, Magyar spoke with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in an effort to unlock these funds.
Von der Leyen stated there was "swift work to be done to... restore the rule of law. Realign with our shared European values."
An estimated €17 billion (£14.8 billion) has been suspended, and Hungary is also awaiting approval for an additional €16 billion in defense loans.
Orbán's Caretaker Role and EU Summit
In an unexpected development, Orbán is expected to remain as caretaker prime minister when EU leaders convene for an informal summit in Cyprus from 23 to 24 April.
EU leaders are pressing Hungary to lift a veto imposed by Orbán on €90 billion in aid to Ukraine in the weeks preceding the election.
Magyar has stated that he does not consider the veto relevant, as Hungary was one of three countries that opted out of the loan to Ukraine last December. However, it remains unclear how the veto will be rescinded and whether Orbán will be involved in the process.
Orbán's Response Post-Defeat
Orbán has largely remained silent since his significant election defeat. He posted a message on Facebook indicating his intention to rebuild his party:
"The work begins. Let's reorganise ourselves and keep fighting for the Hungarian people!"
