In his inaugural address, Magyar declared that Hungarians had given his party a mandate to launch 'a new chapter' in the country's history and change the system, according to reports. He said he would not use his office to 'rule' Hungary, 'but to serve my homeland,' and added, 'I'm not standing here because I'm different from anyone else in the country. ' Magyar has vowed to restore democratic institutions and governmental checks and balances that were heavily eroded during Orbán's rule, and to clamp down on alleged corruption.
The new government immediately signaled a pro-European shift. Crowds cheered as the EU flag was raised on the facade of the Hungarian parliament after a long absence, according to witnesses. ' Hungary dropped its long-standing veto over sanctions against violent Israeli settlers, sources said.
Hungarians had given his party a mandate to launch 'a new chapter' in the country's history and change the system.
' The new government is seen as an experienced technocratic team, observers say. Finance minister András Kármán outlined an economic transformation plan aiming to meet the criteria for adopting the euro by 2030. One of the first big tests is meeting Magyar's pledge to 'bring home' Hungary's frozen EU billions.
4bn in grants and cheap loans under the EU's post-pandemic recovery fund were never paid out over concerns about rule of law and financial probity under Viktor Orbán. Hungary is expected to produce a new plan to show how it can meet the recovery fund's goals of making the country greener and more digital, while completing 27 'super milestones' to tackle corruption and ensure judicial independence. Hungary has until 31 August to show completion of these milestones to have funds paid out by year-end.
Hungary's place is in Europe; naturally, firmly and without question.
According to The Guardian, economist László Andor expects the new government to 'move mountains' to meet that deadline. Hungary's economy has stagnated over the last four years while the government deficit is spiralling. The Guardian reported that Andor described gaining the frozen funds as 'absolutely vital' to avoid at least a temporary recession and start a new cycle of public investment.
He also said it is important the new government avoids starting with a recession, which would be to the detriment of its reputation and competence. 6bn in EU development funds remains blocked over the previous government's conflicts with EU law, including anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, but there is no imminent risk of losing that cash. 2bn in cheap loans for defence projects under the EU's Security Action for Europe programme is also at stake.
Hungary is a member of the European Union, which means that there are responsibilities.
Zselyke Csaky at the Centre for European Reform suggests both Brussels and Budapest will have to tread carefully. Magyar is a 45-year-old lawyer who founded Tisza in 2024 after years as an insider in Orbán's party. He resigned from Fidesz in 2024, expressing deep dissatisfaction with what he said was a culture of mass corruption under Orbán's leadership.
Magyar is far more pro-EU and anti-Russia than his predecessor, and his government is expected to transform political dynamics within the European Union. Orbán had upended the EU by frequently vetoing key decisions, most recently concerning support for neighboring Ukraine. Magyar has said the EU needs strong border protection and that he opposes the redistribution of asylum-seekers across Europe.
move mountains
Tisza now controls 141 seats in Hungary's 199-seat parliament, while Orbán's Fidesz-KDNP coalition controls 52 seats, down from 135. 4 million Hungarians who voted for Tisza expect Magyar to hold Fidesz officials and their business allies accountable for perceived misconduct. Magyar plans to establish a National Asset Recovery and Protection Office to investigate and recover public funds misused during Orbán's tenure.
He has also vowed to suspend the news services of Hungary's public broadcaster until objectivity can be restored, and referenced his intentions to hold former officials accountable for past abuses in his speech to lawmakers.
absolutely vital
it is important the new government avoids starting with a recession, which would be to the detriment of its reputation and competence.
I'm not standing here because I'm different from anyone else in the country. I stand here because millions of Hungarians decided that they want change.
I would not use his office to 'rule' Hungary, 'but to serve my homeland.'
the EU needs strong border protection and that he opposes the redistribution of asylum-seekers across Europe.