Hungary’s New Parliament Convenes
On May 9, Hungary’s freshly elected parliament held its inaugural session, with the opposition Tisza Party, led by Peter Magyar, securing an outright majority. The new legislature was elected on April 12, with Tisza winning 141 out of 199 seats. Notably, the party had no representation in the previous parliamentary term. Parliamentary Speaker Agnes Forsthoffer reinstated the European Union flag at the parliament building, a symbol that had been removed under Viktor Orbán’s premiership.
Loss of Power and New Initiatives
Viktor Orbán, who governed Hungary for 16 years, was absent from the swearing-in session. However, former Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó was present in the chamber. Orbán’s Fidesz party lost its parliamentary majority, dropping from 135 to 52 seats. Several key Fidesz figures declined to take up their parliamentary mandates.
The new government has announced plans to investigate financial misconduct by the previous administration. To this end, it intends to establish an asset recovery office. Notably, frozen EU aid to the Orbán government amounts to €17 billion. Commenting on these initiatives, Zoltán Tarr stated:
“This is about investigations and actions that fully comply with the rule of law.” - Zoltán Tarr
Additionally, the new government must define its stance on the EU migration pact and its future policy toward Ukraine. Peter Magyar called on Hungarians to gather outside parliament to mark the end of the Orbán era. He also noted that Hungary cannot yet abandon Russian energy carriers in the short term. Meanwhile, without any public announcement, Hungary expelled a Russian intelligence officer operating under diplomatic cover, who had ties to entities close to Viktor Orbán’s government.
The April 12 elections marked a turning point in Hungarian politics, as the opposition Tisza Party achieved an absolute majority, signaling major shifts in the country’s political landscape. The restoration of the EU flag and the new government’s pledge to investigate past financial abuses may reflect a push for greater transparency and accountability in state governance. These actions could significantly influence Hungary’s future relations with the European Union and the international community, particularly regarding energy policy and migration issues.
The recent elections have significantly altered Hungary's political landscape, marking a departure from Viktor Orbán's long-standing rule. As the new government embarks on investigations into past misconduct, understanding the implications of these changes is crucial. For a deeper insight into how Peter Magyar's supermajority reshaped the future of Hungarian governance, read more about the election's impact here.