politics
Péter Magyar Sworn In as Hungary's Prime Minister Following Tisza Party Election Win
The 45-year-old leader of the Tisza party took the oath on May 9 after his party secured 53 percent of the vote in April elections. Parliament elected Agnes Forsthoffer as speaker, who immediately ordered the EU flag returned to the building from which it had been removed more than 12 years ago.
May 10, 2:48 AM·1m read2 sources
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Péter Magyar took the oath as Hungary's new prime minister on May 9 inside the gothic parliament building in Budapest. The inauguration took place on Europe Day. Magyar's Tisza party secured 53 percent of the vote in the April 12 elections. Parliament then appointed him prime minister by a vote of 140 out of 200 MPs.
Agnes Forsthoffer, also from Tisza, was elected speaker of Parliament the same day.
Outside Parliament, tens of thousands of supporters gathered, waving Hungarian and European flags. "You are showing the world there is no need to be afraid," Magyar told the crowd. He added, "You are showing the best of Hungary, this joyful Hungary." Magyar pledged to work to ensure the rule of law returns quickly.
He stated that his rise to power symbolized Hungary's return to the European Union. Forsthoffer ordered the return of the EU flag to the facade of the parliament building. The European Union flag had been removed from that same spot more than twelve years ago by a predecessor from Orban's Fidesz party.
Zsolt Hegedus, the future health minister who became known for his dance on April 12, performed again as supporters celebrated. A woman held a photograph of Magyar as crowds filled the area in front of the building. Bernadett Szabo captured the moment in photographs for Reuters.
Magyar invited Roma children to sing during the inaugural session, the first time this has occurred in the parliament's modern sessions according to Reuters reporting.
