Peter Magyar was officially sworn in as Hungary’s new Prime Minister during a National Assembly session held on Saturday, May 9.
Parliamentary Inauguration and Leadership
The National Assembly session commenced on Saturday, May 9, at 10:00 AM, opened by Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok. The session was presided over by 73-year-old Istvan Vitanyi, a Fidesz member of parliament since 1998 who is currently serving his eighth term. Agnes Forsthoffer, vice-chair of the Tisza party, was appointed Speaker of the National Assembly.
Peter Magyar, leader of the Tisza party, was sworn in as the new Prime Minister. Following his oath, he delivered an emotional speech, stating, “I am moved, standing here before you in this special moment,” and emphasized that the role of Prime Minister presents an immense political and human challenge. Prior to the session, Magyar posted on social media, saying, “May God bless Hungary! May God bless all Hungarians, both at home and abroad!”
Shift in Parliamentary Power
Of the 199 seats in the single-chamber parliament, 141 belong to Peter Magyar’s Tisza party. The Fidesz-KDNP coalition, led by outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, secured 52 seats, while the far-right Mi Hazánk obtained six. Viktor Orbán has resigned his mandate as a member of parliament.
Attila Nagy, chairman of the National Election Office of Hungary, reported during the session that the elections were conducted fairly and in accordance with the law.
National Symbols and Celebrations
During the proceedings, historical Hungarian flags were brought into the hall. Deputies took oaths of loyalty to the Hungarian constitution and to serving the nation and the Hungarian people. Some deputies delivered their oaths in the languages of national minorities, including two dialects of the Romani language, as well as Romanian and Croatian.
The European Union flag has been re-hoisted over the parliament alongside the Hungarian and Szekler flags. National celebrations, including military parades and concerts, are scheduled to take place at Kossuth Square, with festivities expected to continue late into the night.
Diplomatic Relations with Poland
Magyar has announced that his first official trip as Prime Minister will be to Poland. During his campaign, he claimed that Viktor Orbán damaged Polish-Hungarian relations by serving Russian interests and pledged to rebuild those ties.
Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Ignacy Niemczycki informed the public that Magyar is expected to arrive in Poland in May for his first official visit, although a specific date has not yet been confirmed.