Orbán's era was over in a flash and Hungary's next PM is a man in a hurry

Péter Magyar’s Tisza party has decisively ended Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule in Hungary, winning 53% of the vote and securing 141 seats in the 199-seat National Assembly. Orbán’s Fidesz party suffered a dramatic loss, dropping from 135 to 52 seats. The final vote count, including recounts and overseas ballots, was confirmed on Saturday. Magyar has already secured a commitment from President Tamás Sulyok to expedite the formation of the new parliament in early May, paving the way for the election of a new government. Magyar has wasted no time in outlining his agenda, promising to suspend public service news programs until impartial editors are appointed, signaling a sharp break from the media environment under Orbán. With a super-majority in parliament, Magyar also plans to introduce a law limiting prime ministers to two terms, a move that could prevent Orbán, who has served five terms, from returning to power. Magyar’s swift actions reflect his urgency to consolidate control and implement reforms after the historic election. Orbán broke his silence late Thursday, acknowledging the defeat as “the end of an era” and taking personal responsibility without delving into detailed campaign errors. He cited delays in the Russian-backed Paks 2 nuclear power plant project as a key failure. Despite the setback, Orbán intends to remain leader of Fidesz, calling for a “complete renewal” of the party ahead of a leadership meeting scheduled for late April and a congress in June. He also indicated plans to replace many party list deputies who may not be suited for opposition roles. The election outcome marks a significant political shift in Hungary, ending a period characterized by Orbán’s increasingly authoritarian governance and controversial policies. Magyar’s rise signals potential changes in Hungary’s domestic and foreign policy direction, with implications for the country’s relationship with the European Union and its stance on media freedom and democratic norms.