On May 9, Hungary will hold the swearing-in ceremony for the new Prime Minister, Péter Magyar, who won the election following the long-term rule of Viktor Orbán. The new government promises to dismantle the Orbán system, return to a European course, and fight corruption. This is reported by The Guardian, according to UNN.
"The end of a twenty-year nightmare"
As the publication notes, Magyar's swearing-in ceremony will serve as a symbolic conclusion to more than twenty years of the political era of Orbán and the Fidesz party.
Péter Magyar himself previously called on Hungarians to "turn the page on Orbán's rule" and put an end to the country's transformation into a "laboratory of illiberalism."
We will pass through the gates of regime change together with a big party. Come yourself and bring your friends and families
Return of the EU flag and dismantling the Orbán system
After his election victory, Magyar has already announced a series of symbolic and political changes – shutting down state media as "Orbán's mouthpieces," purging personnel appointed by the previous government, and recovering funds obtained by businessmen linked to Orbán's inner circle.
One of the main symbols of the new course will be the return of the EU flag to the facade of the Hungarian parliament. It was removed back in 2014 during Orbán's rule.
Furthermore, Krisztián Kőszegi could become the first representative of the Roma community to serve as Deputy Speaker of Parliament, and more than a quarter of the deputies in the new convocation will be women – a record for post-communist Hungary.
Hungarians expect change after years of crisis
The Guardian notes that very high expectations have formed in society regarding the new Prime Minister.
Orbán simply ruined everything in recent years
According to him, he previously supported Orbán's government but gradually became disillusioned due to corruption and the decay of state systems.
Hospitals are in very poor condition, and schools have also long been outdated. We need big changes
Other residents of Hungary link hopes for overcoming inflation and the economic crisis with Magyar.
60-year-old Zsuzsi stated that after the elections "the mood in the country has become much better," and she also positively assessed the new government's intentions to fight corruption and unblock billions of euros in EU aid.
Orbán leaves the country divided
At the same time, a portion of society remains cautious. Some voters of far-right forces fear closer ties with the European Union, increased migration, and changes in the country's domestic policy.
The Guardian notes that during his years in power, Orbán and his party systematically built campaigns based on fears of Brussels, George Soros, Ukraine, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
This constant propaganda became almost a religion. It was very unhealthy