Magyar to meet Hungarian president as Trump says next PM ‘a good man’
Magyar to Meet Hungarian President Amid Transition to New Leadership
Péter Magyar, the leader who dethroned Viktor Orbán after 16 years, is preparing to meet the Hungarian president to expedite the handover of power following a decisive electoral win. President Tamás Sulyok, who has rejected Magyar’s call to resign, is anticipated to propose him as the next prime minister. Magyar aims to assume leadership by early May, marking his first public appearances on state media in 18 months.
Magyar’s Media Campaign and Policy Shifts
During his Wednesday interviews, Magyar emphasized his plan to halt state news broadcasts, accusing them of spreading propaganda. He claimed that 70-80% of Hungarian media had been controlled by Orbán allies, who daily spread 300 falsehoods about his party. Previously, he had been denied a single TV slot, but the state-run Kossuth radio and M1 TV now featured him, revealing his intent to reshape media coverage.
“Every Hungary deserves a public service media that broadcasts the truth,” he stated on Kossuth radio, clarifying that his actions were not driven by personal vendetta despite daily insults to his family.
Magyar’s Tisza party ousted Fidesz in Sunday’s vote, securing a two-thirds parliamentary majority. The transition seeks to reverse Orbán’s policies, which transformed Hungary into an “electoral autocracy” according to the European Parliament. Public frustration grew over corruption scandals and the freezing of billions in EU funds due to legal concerns.
EU Funding and Orbán’s Role
Hungary’s economy has struggled under Orbán’s leadership, prompting talks with Ursula von der Leyen to release suspended EU funds. An estimated €17bn has been held back, with another €16bn pending for defense loans. Despite the crisis, Orbán is expected to remain as interim PM during the EU’s April 23-34 summit in Cyprus, where leaders pressed for lifting his veto on €90bn in Ukraine aid.
Magyar dismissed the veto as inconsequential, noting Hungary joined three nations in withholding support last December. However, uncertainty surrounds how the blockade will be removed and whether Orbán will retain influence. He has stayed silent since his election loss, posting a message on Facebook: “The work begins. Let’s reorganise ourselves and keep fighting for the Hungarian people!”
