Magyar to meet Hungarian president as Trump says next PM ‘a good man’

Magyar to Meet Hungarian President as Trump Praises New Prime Minister

Following a decisive electoral victory, Péter Magyar, the figure who ended Viktor Orbán’s 16-year tenure, is set to meet with Hungary’s president, Tamás Sulyok, to expedite his assumption of office. The president, who has so far refused to step down, is anticipated to appoint Magyar as the next prime minister. This marks a pivotal moment for Hungary, where the political landscape has shifted dramatically after Sunday’s election.

Magyar, who left Orbán’s coalition in March 2024, has garnered broad public backing for his Tisza party, which unseated the ruling Fidesz with a two-thirds parliamentary majority. His campaign focused on challenging Orbán’s policies, which critics argue transformed Hungary into an “electoral autocracy.” Magyar has accused the former leader of monopolizing state media, deploying 300 daily falsehoods, and blocking his appearances on public broadcasts for over two years.

Media Suspension and Propaganda Claims

Magyar’s plans to halt news coverage by state outlets were highlighted during his first public appearances in 18 months on Wednesday. On Kossuth radio, he stated, “Every Hungary deserves a public service media that broadcasts the truth,” emphasizing his goal to restore press freedom. While his family faced daily insults, he framed his actions as a commitment to impartiality, not personal vendetta.

“I think the new man’s going to do a good job,” said Donald Trump, speaking to ABC News. He added, “I have been campaigning for Orbán, and Hungarians should get out and vote for him.” Trump’s comments underscore his endorsement of Magyar despite his previous support for Orbán.

The outgoing prime minister was also invited to the meeting, though his role remains uncertain. Magyar’s focus is on reversing Orbán’s policies, which have led to economic stagnation and EU funding freezes. A total of €17bn in EU grants has been suspended over rule-of-law concerns, with an additional €16bn in defense loans pending approval. He recently discussed these matters with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, aiming to secure the funds.

EU Summit and Orbán’s Resilience

Amid the political transition, Orbán is expected to serve as caretaker prime minister during an upcoming EU summit in Cyprus. Leaders are pressuring Hungary to lift a veto on €90bn in Ukraine aid, a decision Orbán imposed before the election. Magyar dismisses the veto as irrelevant, noting that Hungary was one of three nations to opt out of the loan last December.

Orbán, who has remained largely silent since his defeat, shared a message on Facebook: “The work begins. Let’s reorganise ourselves and keep fighting for the Hungarian people!” This declaration signals his intent to rebuild his party and reassert influence in the evolving political scene.