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

Magyar Confronts Hungarian President Amid Push for Leadership Change

Péter Magyar, the leader who ended Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule, is engaging with Hungary’s president in an effort to expedite the transition of power following a decisive electoral victory on Sunday. President Tamás Sulyok, who has resisted Magyar’s call for resignation, is anticipated to propose him as the next prime minister. Magyar insists on assuming office by mid-May, emphasizing his urgency to restore democratic governance.

On Wednesday, Magyar made his first public appearances in 18 months on state radio and television, declaring his plan to halt media coverage he deems as propaganda. He criticized the outlets for daily attacks, accusing them of spreading 300 lies each day and denying his party a single slot on state TV. This shift marked a turning point, with Kossuth radio and M1 TV granting him space to outline his vision for press freedom.

“Every Hungary deserves a public service media that broadcasts the truth,” Magyar stated on Kossuth radio. “It’s not about personal revenge, though my family has been insulted constantly.” He framed his actions as a necessary step to combat what he called “propaganda” from the previous administration.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump praised Magyar as a “good man” during an interview with ABC News. “I think the new man’s going to do a good job,” Trump remarked, despite having previously endorsed Orbán as a close ally. Magyar’s swift rise to power, following his split with Orbán’s party in March 2024, has positioned him as a formidable challenge to the former leader’s policies.

Magyar’s Tisza party secured a two-thirds parliamentary majority, toppling the ruling Fidesz. He accused Orbán’s allies of seizing control of 70-80% of Hungary’s media, framing their coverage as a tool of misinformation. The European Parliament had previously labeled Hungary an “electoral autocracy” under Orbán’s leadership, a critique Magyar seeks to reverse.

Hungary’s economy has struggled for years, and Magyar recently spoke with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to address frozen EU funds. She stressed the need for “swift work” to restore rule of law and align with European values. Over €17bn in EU money has been withheld, with an additional €16bn in defense loans pending approval.

Orbán, who remains in power as a caretaker prime minister, has not yet publicly commented on the political shift. However, he hinted at a strategy to rebuild his party on social media, stating, “The work begins. Let’s reorganize ourselves and keep fighting for the Hungarian people!” The EU is pressing Hungary to lift a veto Orbán imposed on €90bn in Ukraine aid, a decision Magyar claims is no longer significant.

As the informal EU summit in Cyprus approaches, questions linger about how Orbán’s influence will be diminished and whether he will retain a role in shaping Hungary’s future. Magyar’s campaign to unseat the former leader has already reshaped the political landscape, with significant implications for the nation’s direction.