Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban will not take his seat in parliament after his party suffered a historic defeat. This marks the end of his 16-year tenure as the country's leader. Orban announced his decision in a social media video released on Saturday evening. He stated his new role will be to reorganise the nation's patriotic movement.
The election saw Orban's nationalist Fidesz party drastically reduce its parliamentary representation. Fidesz went from 135 seats to just 52 in the latest vote. Despite this loss, Orban was still elected as a Member of Parliament through his party's proportional representation list. His departure from parliament opens the door for a significant political reset.
The incoming party, Tisza, is led by Péter Magyar, a former insider of Fidesz. Tisza achieved a sweeping victory, securing more than a two-thirds majority in the 199-seat parliament. This landslide win indicates a strong public desire for change in Hungary's direction. It suggests potential shifts in both domestic policy and how Hungary interacts with the rest of the world.
Following a meeting of Fidesz officials, it was confirmed that Gergely Gulyás will assume leadership of the party's parliamentary group. Gulyás previously served as the minister overseeing the prime minister's office. Orban explained that the mandate he received was for Fidesz, and he chose to return it. He has been a Member of Parliament since 1990, holding various positions, including prime minister since 2010.
Public discontent over allegations of corruption and graft played a role in the election outcome. Concerns about falling living standards also contributed to voters turning away from Orban's party. The new leadership under Magyar has promised to address these issues. They aim to reverse Orban-era reforms in education and healthcare. Tackling corruption and restoring judicial independence are also key promises. The widely criticised patronage system, known as NER, which benefited party loyalists, is also targeted for dismantling.
Orban's foreign policy often aligned with figures like Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. In contrast, Tisza supporters chanted "Russians go home" during the campaign. Magyar has pledged to foster closer ties with both the European Union and Ukraine. He aims to move away from Orban's more confrontational stance on these issues. Hungary's new parliament is scheduled to hold its first session on May 9. Orban's own future as leader of Fidesz will be decided at a party conference in June. He has indicated he will continue to influence the nationalist movement.