Magyar meets Hungarian president as Trump says next PM ‘a good man’
Magyar’s Meeting with Hungary’s President as Trump Praises His Leadership
Péter Magyar, who unseated Viktor Orbán after a 16-year tenure, is engaging with Hungary’s president to accelerate the handover of power following a Sunday election victory. President Tamás Sulyok, who has resisted Magyar’s call to resign, is anticipated to name him as the next prime minister. Magyar emphasized the need to assume office by early May, marking his first public appearances on state media in over 18 months. During these broadcasts, he outlined plans to halt the news coverage he deems biased propaganda and establish a new media authority to safeguard press freedom.
Magyar’s Media Campaign and Propaganda Claims
Magyar accused Orbán’s allies of seizing control of 70-80% of the nation’s media outlets, persistently spreading misinformation against his party. He stated that his group had faced relentless attacks, with 300 falsehoods aired daily. However, this changed on Wednesday, as state-run Kossuth radio and M1 TV featured him, where he reiterated his goal to suspend their broadcasts and reform media governance. “Every Hungarian deserves a public service media that broadcasts the truth,” he told Kossuth radio, clarifying his stance was not driven by personal vendetta but by a commitment to transparency.
“I think the new man’s going to do a good job,” said Donald Trump, speaking to ABC News. “He’s a good man who campaigned actively for Orbán.”
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump praised Magyar, highlighting his efforts to challenge Orbán’s influence. Trump, who had previously urged Hungarians to vote for Orbán, acknowledged Magyar’s potential to restore democratic principles. The political shift saw Magyar’s Tisza party top the polls, securing a two-thirds parliamentary majority. His campaign has drawn broad public backing, dismantling Orbán’s Fidesz party in a decisive electoral outcome.
EU Funding and Political Tensions
Hungary’s economy has faced stagnation, prompting Magyar to engage with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. He sought to unlock frozen EU funds, which had been withheld over rule of law concerns. Von der Leyen emphasized the urgency of “swift work to restore the rule of law and realign with shared European values.” Over €17bn in aid remains suspended, with an additional €16bn in defense loans pending approval. Orbán’s recent veto of €90bn in Ukraine support has drawn criticism from EU leaders, who are pushing for its reversal ahead of an informal summit in Cyprus.
Despite the veto, Magyar dismissed its significance, noting Hungary was among three nations that opted out of the loan last December. It remains unclear how the decision will be overturned or whether Orbán will play a role. The former prime minister, who suffered a landslide defeat, has remained quiet since the election, sharing a Facebook message: “The work begins. Let’s reorganize ourselves and keep fighting for the Hungarian people!”
