Hungary's Magyar sworn in as PM, ending Orbán's illiberal era
Conservative politician Péter Magyar takes office Saturday, promising democratic reforms and an end to Viktor Orbán's 14-year grip on power.
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Hungary's new Prime Minister Péter Magyar was sworn into office Saturday, marking a decisive break from Viktor Orbán's illiberal governance model that has strained EU relations for over a decade.
The 45-year-old conservative politician told parliament: "Citizens don't want a change of government, but a change of system." Magyar pledged to rebuild national unity, stating "We will learn to live as one nation again."
Magyar's victory represents a historic shift for the EU's most authoritarian member state. His government is expected to restore judicial independence, strengthen rule-of-law mechanisms, and realign Hungary with Brussels on governance standards. The transition ends Orbán's controversial tenure, marked by repeated clashes with EU institutions over democracy and media freedom.
The changeover carries significance for EU cohesion, as Hungary's previous trajectory had complicated decision-making on Ukraine support and sanctions policy. Magyar's stated commitments suggest a potential restoration of alignment within the bloc.