Hungary Elects New PM After 16 Years, Ends Orbán Era

Hungary turned the page on a defining era of its modern history as Péter Magyar was sworn in as prime minister, ending Viktor Orbán's 16-year grip on power.

Magyar's Tisza Party didn't just win the April election. They dominated it, securing 141 seats out of 199 in the National Assembly while Orbán's Fidesz party held onto just 44.

The Saturday morning ceremony in parliament marked more than a routine transfer of power. It represented what Magyar called "a mandate to lead a new chapter in the country's history, to change not only the government but the system as well."

In his first speech as prime minister, Magyar struck a tone of service over authority. "I will not rule over Hungary, I will serve my homeland," he told the assembly, receiving 140 votes in favor of his appointment.

But he also made clear that change would be thorough. Magyar called on officials from the previous administration, including President Tamás Sulyok, to resign by May 31, describing them as "servants of the previous system."

The transition broke with decades of tradition. Former Prime Minister Orbán didn't deliver a customary speech at the inaugural session and didn't even attend the proceedings, a departure from 36 years of protocol.

The Ripple Effect

The celebration extended far beyond parliament's walls. The Tisza Party organized what they called a "system-changing people's festival" that drew thousands to Kossuth Square in front of the parliament building.

By early afternoon, the square was packed with citizens marking what they saw as a historic moment. The gathering transformed what's typically a formal government ceremony into a shared community celebration.

One of the new parliament's first acts carried symbolic weight. Newly elected Speaker Ágnes Forsthoffer announced her first order of business would be reinstalling the EU flag on the parliament building after a 12-year absence.

The accelerated timeline for forming a new government also signals Hungary's eagerness for change. By confirming Magyar as prime minister at the inaugural session rather than waiting several days as tradition dictates, the National Assembly shortened the transition period.

For a country that's spent nearly two decades under one leader's vision, this landslide victory represents millions of voters choosing a different path forward, together.