• Peter Magyar has been sworn in as Hungary's new Prime Minister, ending Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule.
• Magyar's Tisza party won a historic two-thirds majority in the recent parliamentary elections.
• The inauguration took place on Europe Day, symbolizing Hungary's return to the EU.
• Magyar aims to restore democratic checks and balances eroded during Orbán's leadership.
• Public celebrations saw thousands gathering to support the new Prime Minister's regime change pledge.

Peter Magyar was officially sworn in as Hungary's Prime Minister on May 9, 2026, marking a significant shift in the nation's political landscape after the defeat of Viktor Orbán, who ruled for 16 years. Magyar, leader of the centre-right Tisza party, secured a commanding victory in the parliamentary elections held on April 12, 2026, winning 53% of the vote and thus providing his party with a historic two-thirds majority in the 199-seat parliament. This majority comprises 141 seats, drastically diminishing the Fidesz-KDNP coalition to just 52 seats. The election was characterized as a major blow to Orbán's Nationalist-populist regime, which has been criticized as autocratic, according to Al Jazeera, South China Morning Post, and Los Angeles Times.

In his inaugural address, Magyar emphasized the necessity of change and the overwhelming trust bestowed upon him by the Hungarian electorate. "This trust...is both a weight of honour and a moral obligation," said Magyar, indicating a strong commitment to restoring democratic institutions that have been undermined during Orbán's tenure. He plans to investigate alleged corruption within the previous government and has vowed to promote transparency and democratic resilience, which are particularly crucial for Hungary's relationship with the European Union, reports Le Monde, South China Morning Post, and Los Angeles Times.

The inauguration was celebrated amid enthusiastic crowds in Budapest, with thousands gathering at Kossuth Square, waving Hungarian and European Union flags, marking a symbolic return to EU alignment after Orbán’s government had strained relations. At the ceremony, the EU flag was returned to the parliament building, a gesture symbolizing a renewed commitment to European values, as confirmed by multiple sources including Al Jazeera and Le Monde.

As he navigates this new political landscape, Magyar has vowed to address the legacy of Orbán’s administration, promising to hold former officials accountable for past abuses and mismanagement. To achieve this, he intends to establish a National Asset Recovery and Protection Office aimed at investigating public fund misuse. With the EU's funding currently frozen due to previous governance issues, unlocking approximately $20 billion to rejuvenate Hungary's stagnant economy is also a top priority for the new government, according to South China Morning Post and Los Angeles Times.