Magyar meets Hungarian president as Trump says next PM ‘a good man’
Magyar Meets Hungarian President as Trump Commends New PM
Péter Magyar, who ousted Viktor Orbán after 16 years in power, is set to meet Hungary’s president in an attempt to expedite his assumption of the prime ministerial role following Sunday’s decisive electoral win. President Tamás Sulyok, who has resisted Magyar’s call to resign, is anticipated to formally propose him as the next leader of the government. Magyar emphasized his need to take office by early May, marking a significant shift in his political strategy.
Magyar’s recent appearance on public radio and television for the first time in 18 months highlighted his determination to curtail state media influence. During the broadcast, he criticized the outlets for spreading propaganda, claiming they had daily insulted his party with 300 falsehoods. The media’s role in amplifying Orbán’s agenda was a central focus of his remarks.
“I think the new man’s going to do a good job,” said Donald Trump in an interview with ABC News, acknowledging Magyar’s efforts to challenge Orbán. “Every Hungary deserves a public service media that broadcasts the truth,” Magyar stated on Kossuth radio, vowing to create a new broadcasting authority to safeguard press freedom. He dismissed the criticism as not personal, despite being subjected to relentless attacks from media aligned with Orbán’s allies.
Magyar’s Tisza party secured a majority in parliament, toppling Orbán’s Fidesz. This victory followed his split from the ruling party in March 2024 and a two-year campaign that garnered broad public backing. He accused Orbán of monopolizing 70-80% of the media, using them to portray his administration as corrupt and undermining democratic principles.
Hungary’s economy has faced stagnation, prompting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to express urgency in restoring the rule of law and aligning with European values. Magyar engaged with von der Leyen on Tuesday to resolve the frozen €17bn in EU funds, while another €16bn in defense loans remains pending. The European Parliament had previously labeled Hungary an “electoral autocracy” under Orbán’s leadership.
Despite his loss, Orbán is expected to remain as a temporary prime minister during the EU’s informal summit in Cyprus from 23 to 34 April. The summit aims to pressure Hungary into reversing its veto on €90bn in Ukrainian aid, a move that had drawn criticism before the election. Magyar argued the veto was irrelevant, as Hungary had already opted out of the loan in December. However, the process to dismantle Orbán’s influence remains unclear.
Orbán, who has stayed largely silent since his electoral defeat, posted a message on Facebook pledging to rebuild his political base. “The work begins. Let’s reorganise ourselves and keep fighting for the Hungarian people!” he wrote, signaling his intent to regroup and challenge the new government. Magyar, meanwhile, remains focused on dismantling the policies that he claims have impoverished the nation and eroded its democratic foundations.