Péter Magyar Sworn In as Hungary’s Prime Minister

Péter Magyar took the oath of office as Hungary’s prime minister on Saturday. The ceremony followed his Tisza party’s victory that gave it 141 of the 199 seats in parliament, a two-thirds majority that permits constitutional changes. Tens of thousands gathered in central Budapest, with celebrations continuing past midnight.

In his inaugural speech to parliament Magyar said, “I will not rule over Hungary – I will serve my country.” He apologised “to all those civilians, teachers, journalists, health workers and public figures who have been stigmatised, harassed, or treated as enemies for daring to speak out, for daring to stand up for the vulnerable, for criticising, or for simply expressing a different opinion.” He added that “What connects us will be stronger than what divides us” and that “Hungary will be home for every Hungarian.”

Viktor Orbán, whose Fidesz party secured 52 seats, did not attend the ceremony and did not shake his successor’s hand. Later he wrote on social media that the new government must fight for Hungary in Brussels or risk having national sovereignty surrendered. Several senior Fidesz figures declined to take their parliamentary seats.

Magyar told parliament the victory delivered a mandate not just for a change of government but for an overhaul of the political system. ” His government will establish an office to recover stolen assets and said those guilty of financial crimes will face investigations in line with the rule of law.

Hungary’s economy presents an immediate test. Growth reached only 0.3 per cent last year instead of the 6 per cent promised by the previous government. The budget deficit has swollen after a late spending spree, and incoming ministers described the fiscal situation as grim.

Each day has brought new allegations of corruption against the outgoing administration, and some investigations by prosecutors and police have accelerated since the election.

Crowds at the inauguration included people who had protested the fall of communism nearly 40 years earlier. Ili Valcz, an 80-year-old retired maths teacher, said expectations must be tempered after the unrealistic hopes that followed the end of Soviet-imposed rule. Adam Nagy, 34, who attended the event, recalled unfulfilled promises after both the collapse of communism and Orbán’s rise in 2010.