Hungary’s newly elected prime minister, Peter Magyar, is moving quickly to confront the political system built over 16 years by his predecessor, Viktor Orban, after securing a decisive electoral victory.
Just days after taking office, Magyar publicly criticized Hungary’s president—widely seen as aligned with Orbán—calling for his resignation. He also shared footage of a meeting in which he briefly spotted Orbán nearby, underscoring the symbolic transition of power.
Magyar has also targeted state media, describing it as a “factory of lies” and signaling plans to suspend its operations until editorial independence can be guaranteed.
The swift actions reflect his campaign pledge to dismantle what critics describe as a system marked by entrenched patronage networks, weakened institutional checks, and close ties to Moscow. His landslide victory, which delivered a two-thirds parliamentary majority, gives him the legislative authority needed to pursue constitutional and structural reforms.
That supermajority—137 out of 199 seats—mirrors the parliamentary strength Orbán once used to reshape Hungary’s political landscape. During his tenure, Orbán introduced sweeping constitutional changes, curtailed judicial and media independence, and installed loyalists across key institutions.
Observers say reversing those changes will be complex. Analysts note that entrenched legal frameworks and long-term appointments—such as a nine-year term for the prosecutor general—could limit the pace of reform and pose institutional resistance.
The European Union has repeatedly raised concerns about democratic backsliding under Orbán, particularly regarding judicial independence and governance transparency. At the same time, his leadership model drew praise from some international conservative figures, including U.S. President Donald Trump.
Magyar’s challenge now lies in translating electoral momentum into structural change—an effort that could reshape not only Hungary’s domestic politics but also broader debates about democracy and governance across Europe.
