Magyar to meet Hungarian president as Trump says next PM ‘a good man’
Magyar to Meet Hungarian President as Trump Praises New Leader
Péter Magyar, the politician who unseated Viktor Orbán after 16 years of rule, is scheduled to meet Hungary’s president to expedite the transition of power following a decisive election win. President Tamás Sulyok, who has resisted Magyar’s call to resign, is anticipated to name him as the next prime minister. Magyar emphasized the need to assume office by early May, marking his first public appearances on state radio and television in 18 months. During these broadcasts, he stated his plan to halt the media’s coverage, which he accused of spreading propaganda.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump commended Magyar as a “good man,” despite his role in campaigning for Orbán. In an interview with ABC News, Trump remarked,
“I think the new man’s going to do a good job.”
He had previously urged Hungarians to vote for Orbán, his ally and close friend. The outgoing prime minister was also invited to the meeting, as Sulyok sought to engage with him directly.
Magyar left Orbán’s Fidesz party in March 2024 and, over two years, gained support from a broad spectrum of voters. His Tisza party’s victory in Sunday’s election overturned the ruling Fidesz, securing two-thirds of parliamentary seats. He criticized Orbán allies for controlling 70-80% of the media, claiming they daily disseminated 300 falsehoods and barred his party from state TV appearances. However, this changed on Wednesday, with Magyar appearing on Kossuth radio and M1 TV, confirming his intent to suspend news coverage and establish a new media authority to safeguard press freedom.
Magyar described the state media as tools of misinformation, stating,
“Every Hungary deserves a public service media that broadcasts the truth.”
He denied seeking personal retribution, despite his family enduring constant insults. The new leader aims to reverse policies that transformed Hungary into an “electoral autocracy,” as labeled by the European Parliament. Public frustration grew over scandals involving corruption and favoritism, with Magyar accusing the previous administration of stripping the country of resources. EU funds were frozen due to rule of law concerns, and Magyar discussed unlocking the money with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
As part of his efforts, Magyar highlighted Hungary’s stalled economy and the need to restore European values. A total of €17bn has been withheld, with an additional €16bn pending for defense loans. Interestingly, Orbán is set to remain as caretaker prime minister during the EU’s informal summit in Cyprus on 23-34 April. EU leaders are pressuring Hungary to lift a veto on €90bn in Ukraine aid, imposed weeks before the election. Magyar dismissed the veto as irrelevant, noting Hungary joined only three nations in rejecting the loan last December.
Orbán, who has remained largely silent since his defeat, posted a message on Facebook signaling his intent to rebuild his party:
“The work begins. Let’s reorganise ourselves and keep fighting for the Hungarian people!”
The uncertainty persists over whether he will play a role in lifting the veto or stepping aside entirely.
