The Hungarian Parliament held its inaugural session on Saturday, May 9, ushering in a new political era as the Tisza party, led by Péter Magyar, officially took control of the legislature and formed a new government., 444 reported.
The session saw the Tisza party exercise its new absolute majority to elect Ágnes Forsthoffer as the Speaker of Parliament. In her first act in the role, Forsthoffer ordered the European Union flag to be re-displayed on the parliament building – an ornament that had been removed by the previous administration 12 years ago.
A new chapter for Hungary
Following the confirmation of his 16-ministry cabinet, Péter Magyar took the oath of office and delivered his first address as Prime Minister. He stated that his administration had received a mandate from the Hungarian people to “open a new chapter” and lead the country into a “freer, more humane, and more hopeful era.”
“We promise to ensure that what unites us is stronger than what divides us,” Magyar told the assembly. Outside the parliament, the central square was reported to be packed with thousands of citizens who gathered to mark the end of the “Orbán era.”
The new government officially replaces the long-standing Fidesz administration. The new leadership structure includes Forsthoffer (Tisza) as a speaker, and vice-speakers – a majority from the Tisza party, with single representatives from the now-opposition Fidesz, the Christian Democratic People’s Party (KDNP), and the far-right Mi Hazánk.
Notably, outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was absent from the ceremony. Orbán recently resigned his parliamentary seat, stating he is “needed to reform the national camp” from within the Fidesz party rather than serving in the opposition.
Early challenges and controversies
Despite the celebratory atmosphere in Budapest, Magyar’s government faces immediate pressure on both domestic and international fronts.
Magyar has had to defend the appointment of his brother-in-law, Márton Melléthei-Barna, as the incoming Justice Minister. Critics have drawn parallels to the cronyism of the Orbán era, but Magyar insists the choice was based on “expertise and unwavering integrity” rather than political calculation.
The European Commission recently reported that Hungary is already lagging behind on the EU’s landmark Pact on Migration and Asylum. Magyar has signaled a hardline stance, stating Hungary will not accept “any pact or allocation mechanism,” potentially setting the stage for a swift clash with Brussels just weeks after taking office.
International observers are closely watching the transition, particularly regarding the unblocking of frozen EU funds and Hungary’s stance on the €90-billion EU loan for Ukraine, which had been repeatedly vetoed by the previous government.