Magyar to meet Hungarian president as Trump says next PM ‘a good man’
Magyar to meet Hungarian president as Trump says next PM ‘a good man’
Magyar’s Political Shift and Presidential Meeting
Péter Magyar, who ousted Viktor Orbán after 16 years as leader, is scheduled to meet Hungary’s president, seeking a swift transition to power following Sunday’s decisive electoral win. President Tamás Sulyok, who has resisted Magyar’s call to resign, is anticipated to propose him as the next prime minister. Magyar emphasized his urgency to assume office by late April, marking his first public appearances on state radio and TV in 18 months. During these interviews, he denounced the media as tools of propaganda, claiming they spread 300 daily falsehoods against his party.
Trump’s Endorsement and Media Criticism
US President Donald Trump praised Magyar as a “good man” during a recent interview, highlighting his role in supporting Orbán’s campaign. “I think the new man’s going to do a good job,” Trump told ABC News reporter Jonathan Karl, while previously urging Hungarians to “get out and vote” for Orbán. Magyar’s frustration with state-controlled media intensified after the meeting, as he vowed to halt their coverage and establish a new broadcasting body to safeguard press freedom. “Every Hungary deserves a public service media that broadcasts the truth,” he stated, clarifying his stance was not driven by personal vendettas despite years of insults from outlets.
Electoral Victory and Policy Reversals
The Tisza party, led by Magyar, triumphed over Fidesz in Sunday’s election, securing two-thirds of parliamentary seats. This marked a dramatic shift from Orbán’s long-standing dominance. Magyar argued that Orbán’s allies have monopolized the media, drowning out his voice with relentless criticism. His campaign, which began in March 2024, garnered broad public backing, challenging the policies that transformed Hungary into an “electoral autocracy” according to the European Parliament. The former PM also faced calls to address economic stagnation, with billions in EU funds frozen due to concerns over rule of law and corruption.
EU Funding Talks and Orbán’s Silence
Magyar engaged with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday to revive stalled EU aid. He stated that €17bn had been suspended, while additional €16bn in defense loans awaited approval. Meanwhile, Orbán is expected to remain as interim leader during an upcoming EU summit in Cyprus, despite his party’s defeat. EU leaders are pressing Hungary to reverse Orbán’s veto on €90bn in Ukraine aid, a decision made in December. Magyar dismissed the veto as irrelevant, noting Hungary joined only three nations in opposing the loan. The uncertainty surrounding Orbán’s continued influence has left questions about how the veto will be revoked and whether the former PM will play a role in the process.
Orbán’s Response to Defeat
Orbán, who has remained largely quiet since his resounding electoral loss, expressed resolve on Facebook. “The work begins. Let’s reorganise ourselves and keep fighting for the Hungarian people!” he wrote, signaling his intent to rebuild his party’s base. His absence from public discourse contrasts with Magyar’s aggressive campaign to reshape Hungary’s political landscape, raising tensions over the nation’s future direction.
