Magyar Meets Hungarian President as Trump Praises New Leader

Political Shift After Election Victory

Péter Magyar, the figure who ousted Viktor Orbán after 16 years of leadership, is meeting Hungary’s president to push for a rapid transfer of power following Sunday’s sweeping election win. President Tamás Sulyok, who has so far refused Magyar’s request to resign, is anticipated to name him as the next prime minister. Magyar emphasized the need to assume office by mid-May, marking his first public appearance on state radio and television in 18 months. During these broadcasts, he declared his plan to halt news coverage by media outlets he accused of spreading propaganda.

Magyar’s Tisza party, which unseated the ruling Fidesz, has gained broad public backing over two years. He criticized Orbán’s allies for seizing control of 70-80% of the media, claiming they daily spread 300 false statements. “Every Hungary deserves a public service media that broadcasts the truth,” he stated on Kossuth radio, clarifying that his goal was not personal vengeance but to restore fair representation. His remarks were forceful, as he confronted hosts with claims that their outlets had become tools of misinformation.

Trump’s Support for Magyar’s Vision

“I think the new man’s going to do a good job,” said Donald Trump, who had previously urged Hungarians to vote for Viktor Orbán. The U.S. president called Magyar a “good man” after the latter campaigned against Orbán’s regime. Despite his public support for Orbán, Trump now appears to back Magyar’s plan to challenge the current system.

Magyar’s campaign targeted Orbán’s policies, which critics argue transformed Hungary into an “electoral autocracy” as labeled by the European Parliament. Public frustration grew over corruption scandals and the freezing of billions in EU funds due to legal concerns. During a recent meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, he sought to revive this financial support. Von der Leyen noted that “swift work is needed to restore the rule of law and realign with our shared European values.”

Meanwhile, Hungary’s economy has struggled, with €17bn in aid suspended and another €16bn pending for defense loans. Orbán, though ousted, is expected to serve as caretaker prime minister during an EU summit in Cyprus on 23–24 April. The event comes as leaders pressure Hungary to lift a veto Orbán imposed on €90bn in Ukrainian aid. Magyar dismissed the veto as irrelevant, noting Hungary was among three nations that excluded the funds last December. However, uncertainty remains about how the decision will be reversed and Orbán’s potential involvement.

Since his defeat, Orbán has remained silent but hinted at rebuilding his political base. On Facebook, he wrote, “The work begins. Let’s reorganize ourselves and keep fighting for the Hungarian people!” This statement signals his intent to regroup despite the recent shift in power.