Peter Magyar officially assumed the premiership of Hungary as the new government was sworn in on Saturday, May 9, expressing a commitment to democratic renewal and accountability.
. **Body:**
New Government Takes Office
The National Assembly session, which began at 10 AM on Saturday, May 9, was opened by Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok and chaired by the oldest MP, 73-year-old Fidesz member Istvan Vitanyi, who is serving his eighth parliamentary term since 1998.
Tisza Deputy Chair Agnes Forsthoffer became Speaker of the National Assembly. Tisza leader Peter Magyar was sworn in as the new Prime Minister, delivering a speech where he stated, “I am moved to stand before you here at this special moment.”
Magyar emphasized that “being Prime Minister of Hungary is an enormous challenge and responsibility—political and human.” He reflected on his predecessors’ fates, adding, “I have also seen how the position of Prime Minister can be abused, how power can devour a man,” stressing that Hungarian history warns all premiers. He asserted that Hungarian democracy would “serve him not for wielding power, but for serving power,” crediting millions of citizens for the desire for change and praising their exceptional turnout as proof of the country’s capacity for renewal. Magyar affirmed that a new chapter requires “self-reflection, accountability, and reconciliation.” He concluded, “We pledge to build a country where politics can once again offer hope, certainty, and common goals.”
Magyar Vows Accountability for Fidesz Predecessors
The new Prime Minister addressed the actions of his predecessor, stating, “The Fidesz elite must go a long way to look themselves in the face. Their leaders have caused devastation. For many years, the opposition agreed to this. Hungary does not deserve the kind of politics conducted in recent years. TISZA pledges to close this chapter of history.”
Magyar announced “accountability” for the outgoing government as the foundation for democratic rebuilding. He insisted Hungarians have the right to understand how power operated in recent decades and why national wealth concentrated in a close political elite. He declared that early initiatives after the inaugural parliamentary session would include recovering national assets and establishing an office for their protection.
This new institution’s tasks will include uncovering public asset abuses and conducting corruption investigations. Magyar affirmed it would be an independent state body accountable only to the National Assembly, not the government’s executive arm. “Hungary will never again be a state where there are no consequences. What was unlawfully taken must be recovered,” he declared, to significant applause.
Call for President’s Resignation
Magyar also called for the resignation of current Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok. He accused Sulyok of failing to speak up about the rule of law or halt destructive legislation when Viktor Orban, the former prime minister, called half the nation “worms” and threatened artists and civilians.
Magyar questioned, “How, after such cowardice and lies, can you represent the cohesion and unity of the nation? I believe, in no way. Mr. President, it is time for you to leave with your head held high, while you still can.”
Hungary’s Place in Europe Affirmed
The Prime Minister emphasized that “Hungary’s place is in Europe.” He pledged to build a Hungary respected across Europe and worldwide, aiming for a strong, esteemed state within the European Union. He committed to recovering EU funds due to the state and Hungarian entrepreneurs, declaring sovereignty as Hungary’s foundation in his hour-plus speech.
Parliamentary Oath-Taking Ceremony
The ceremony involved bringing historical Hungarian flags into the chamber before deputies of the Hungarian National Assembly took their oaths. Some delivered their pledges in Romani dialects, Romanian, and Croatian, representing their national minorities. Deputies swore allegiance to the Hungarian constitution and committed to serving Hungary and the Hungarian nation.
Out of 199 members in Hungary’s unicameral parliament, 141 belong to Peter Magyar’s recently opposition TISZA party. The Fidesz-KDNP coalition, led by outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orban, secured 52 seats, and the far-right Mi Hazánk took six. Orban himself resigned his parliamentary mandate. Attila Nagy, chairman of the National Election Office of Hungary, confirmed during a parliamentary report that the elections were fair and conducted legally.
Celebrations and EU Flag Return
Before the session, Magyar posted on social media, “God bless Hungary! God bless all Hungarians, both at home and abroad!” The national flag was raised in front of the parliament building, followed by a military parade. As announced by Tisza representatives, the European Union flag was hoisted again above the parliament, alongside the flags of Hungary and Székelys.
The National Assembly session and the new prime minister’s election were broadcast from morning in front of the parliament. After the official ceremonies, Kossuth Square was set to host a “national celebration of regime change,” with concerts and festivities planned to last until late into the night.
Magyar’s Poland Visit Planned This Month
During his election campaign, Magyar repeatedly stated his intention to make Poland his first foreign visit as Prime Minister. He accused Orban of damaging Polish-Hungarian friendship by serving Russian interests and pledged to rebuild this bond.
Deputy Foreign Minister Ignacy Niemczycki confirmed on Saturday that Magyar is expected to visit Poland later in May. Niemczycki stated, “We are talking about the first official visit. I know that the plans are for this to happen in May,” but did not provide a specific date.