Hungary’s pro-EU leader vows new era after ousting Orban

Pro-EU reformist Peter Magyar pledges a new era for Hungary after a decisive election victory ends Viktor Orban’s 16-year nationalist rule.

BUDAPEST: Pro-EU prime minister-elect Peter Magyar pledged to usher in a “new era” after defeating long-time nationalist leader Viktor Orban in elections.

Hungarians handed the conservative former government insider a decisive victory with a two-thirds parliamentary majority after a record turnout.

Magyar said Hungarians “didn’t vote for a mere change of government, but for a complete regime change.”

The 45-year-old stated he would do “everything in our power” to ensure this new beginning.

He urged President Tamas Sulyok, an Orban ally, to convene parliament “as soon as possible” within the 30-day constitutional deadline.

“Our country has no time to waste. Hungary is in trouble in every respect. It has been plundered, looted, betrayed, indebted and ruined,” Magyar told reporters.

Orban conceded defeat, calling the message “painful but unambiguous” after his 16-year tenure.

The self-described “thorn” in the EU’s side had transformed Hungary into a model of “illiberal democracy.”

His wide-ranging reforms restricted civil rights and the independence of the judiciary, media and academia.

This frequently clashed with Brussels, which froze billions of euros in funds over rule-of-law concerns.

Magyar said he was “willing to take on” reforms, including anti-graft measures, to seek to unlock the funds.

Many EU leaders welcomed Magyar’s win as a blow to hard-right populism in Europe.

The Kremlin said Moscow hoped for “pragmatic” relations with Hungary’s new government.

China, which Orban also courted, congratulated the prime minister-elect.

Magyar thanked both Moscow and Beijing for “being open to pragmatic cooperation, just as Hungary is.”

He reiterated his opposition to sending EU military aid to Ukraine or offering Kyiv a fast-track route to join the bloc.

“We are talking about a country at war. It is completely out of the question for the European Union to admit a country at war,” he said.

Orban had repeatedly blocked EU moves to help Ukraine fight Russia’s invasion.

Magyar emerged as Orban’s most serious challenger just two years ago, promising to fight corruption.

He garnered support against a backdrop of economic stagnation and an electoral system skewed in Fidesz’s favour.

On election night, jubilant supporters poured into Budapest’s streets to celebrate.

“At long last it feels so good to be Hungarian. It’s like a weight lifted off our shoulders,” Csilla Bekesi, 25, told AFP.