Peter Magyar was sworn in as Hungary's Prime Minister on Saturday, 9 May after winning a parliamentary vote at the inaugural session of the new National Assembly in Budapest, pledging to "change the system" and serve the country rather than "rule over it." The vote marked the formal end of Viktor Orbán's long tenure and the beginning of a new political era in Hungary.

The Parliamentary Vote

A total of 195 out of 199 members of parliament cast votes, with 140 in favour, 54 against, and 1 abstention. Magyar, leader of the Tisza Party, secured the required majority to be elected prime minister, marking the start of his four-year term. The 199-member parliament saw all lawmakers sworn in on the same day.

Magyar's Inaugural Address

In his inaugural speech, Magyar declared that the new government had received a mandate not only to change the government but also to "change the system." He stressed reconciliation, democratic renewal, and national unity, pledging to serve rather than rule. The new Tisza government "will be the government of all Hungarians," he said, underlining inclusiveness and equal dignity for all citizens.

Who Is Peter Magyar

Born in March 1981, Magyar studied law and humanities at Pázmány Péter Catholic University. He worked as a trainee judge and a lawyer before holding positions in the foreign ministry and other government institutions. He was elected leader of the Tisza Party and a member of the European Parliament in 2024, rapidly rising to become the most prominent challenger to Orbán's political dominance.

Election Results and New Parliamentary Leadership

In the parliamentary elections held on 12 April, the Tisza Party defeated the ruling Fidesz-KDNP coalition led by Viktor Orbán, winning 141 of the 199 seats and securing a two-thirds majority in the new parliament. The parliament also elected Ágnes Forsthoffer, vice president of the Tisza Party, as speaker of the National Assembly — she was the sole candidate, receiving 193 votes in favour and 2 against. Six deputy speakers were also elected.

Celebrations and What Comes Next

Tisza supporters gathered at Kossuth Square, in front of the parliament building in Budapest, to celebrate the historic transition. Magyar was also due to deliver a public speech at the square following his swearing-in. With a two-thirds majority in hand, the new government has the constitutional mandate to pursue sweeping reforms. The coming weeks will test whether Magyar's promises of democratic renewal translate into concrete legislative action.