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New prime minister takes office in Budapest
Hungary's parliament convened Saturday to inaugurate Péter Magyar as prime minister, marking the end of Viktor Orbán's 16-year tenure following a landslide election victory last month.
Tisza party's rapid rise
Magyar's Tisza party, founded just two years ago, now controls 141 of the 199 parliamentary seats. The party secured its majority after Orbán's Fidesz collapsed from 135 seats to 52, with key figures opting out of parliament entirely.
Thousands gathered outside Budapest's parliament along the Danube for a "celebration of freedom and democracy," responding to Magyar's call to pass through a "gateway of regime change."
Orbán's uncertain future
Orbán's absence from Saturday's session remains unconfirmed. His party faces daily corruption allegations after governing Hungary since 2010. Magyar has pledged a "change of system" alongside the change in government.
"The main priority is to set up the government... on the ruins of the previous one,"
Zoltán Tarr, incoming Minister for Social Relations and Culture
Economic and ethical challenges
The incoming administration inherits a precarious budget deficit, swollen by an eight-month spending spree under Orbán. State contracts and funds were routinely funneled to Fidesz-aligned businesses, exacerbating financial strain.
Tisza ministers emphasize moral accountability, vowing to investigate financial crimes without political retribution. A new "office to recover stolen assets" will be established.
Controversy erupted when Magyar's brother-in-law, Márton Melléthei-Barna, was nominated as justice minister. He withdrew his candidacy Thursday, stating, "to ensure that not even the slightest shadow is cast on the transition."
Corruption probes gain momentum
Prosecutors and police have launched investigations into Fidesz-linked figures, a shift from the minimal prosecutions of the past. A source close to the prosecutor's office told the BBC, "people are now coming forward" with evidence.
Targets include media mogul Gyula Balásy, whose empire secured millions in government contracts. Balásy tearfully announced plans to transfer his companies to the state, denying wrongdoing. His accounts have since been frozen.
Investigators are also scrutinizing Hungary's National Cultural Fund, specifically its £57.2 million Urban Civil Fund, over allegations of funneling money to Fidesz candidates.
EU funds and foreign policy hurdles
The Magyar government's immediate challenge is unlocking €17 billion in EU funds withheld from Orbán's administration. Brussels sources hinted last week that some funds may be forfeited.
Hungary faces a €1 million daily fine for non-compliance with European Court of Justice rulings on migrant treatment. The EU's migrant pact, opposed by Orbán, takes full effect June 12.
Magyar's stance on Russian energy and Ukraine's EU accession mirrors Orbán's, despite voter concerns. Tarr remains optimistic, stating, "We are serving the country. We are not here to rule."
