Magyar meets Hungarian president as Trump says next PM ‘a good man’

Magyar Seeks Quick Transition as Trump Endorses New Leadership

Péter Magyar, the individual who concluded Viktor Orbán’s 16-year political reign, is set to meet Hungary’s president, Tamás Sulyok, to expedite the handover of power following a decisive electoral win on Sunday. Although Sulyok has yet to concede, he is anticipated to propose Magyar as the next prime minister. Magyar, who has been vocal about his desire to assume office by mid-May, made his debut on public radio and television in 18 months on Wednesday, signaling his plan to halt the media’s coverage, which he has labeled as propaganda.

Political Shift and Media Criticism

Magyar broke from Orbán’s Fidesz party in March 2024, forming the Tisza party that triumphed over the ruling coalition with a two-thirds parliamentary majority. He has accused Orbán’s allies of dominating the media with 300 daily falsehoods, effectively silencing his party’s visibility. However, this changed on Wednesday, as state-run Kossuth radio aired a half-hour segment and M1 TV featured his remarks, confirming his goal to create a new media authority and ensure freedom of the press.

“Every Hungarian deserves a public service media that broadcasts the truth,” Magyar stated on Kossuth radio, clarifying that his actions were not motivated by personal vendettas despite enduring relentless criticism from the outlets.

Magyar’s campaign has highlighted the need to reverse Orbán’s policies, which transformed Hungary into an “electoral autocracy” according to the European Parliament. Public outrage over corruption and cronyism scandals has fueled his push for reform. In a separate development, US President Donald Trump praised Magyar as a “good man,” having supported Orbán’s bid for re-election.

EU Funding and Orbán’s Role

EU funds totaling billions were frozen due to concerns over the rule of law, with Magyar engaging European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday to secure the release of the money. Hungary is also awaiting additional €16bn in defense loans. Despite his electoral loss, Orbán is expected to remain as a caretaker prime minister during the EU’s informal summit in Cyprus from 23 to 34 April. EU leaders are pushing to dismantle Orbán’s veto over €90bn in Ukraine aid, though Magyar disputes its relevance, noting Hungary was one of three nations that opted out of the loan in December.

Orbán, who has remained largely silent since his defeat, recently posted on Facebook a message vowing to rebuild his party: “The work begins. Let’s reorganise ourselves and keep fighting for the Hungarian people!”