BUDAPEST: Pro-European conservative Peter Magyar was ceremonially sworn-in as Hungary’s new prime minister on Saturday, vowing “regime change” after nationalist Viktor Orban’s 16 years in power.

The former government insider-turned-critic swept to a landslide victory last month, marking a clear break from his predecessor. “I will not rule over Hungary; I will serve my country,” Magyar said after he took the oath of office in parliament, while tens of thousands of supporters gathered outside along the Danube, watching on giant screens.

He pledged swift action, saying one of his government’s first steps would be to create an independent office to investigate corruption over the past 20 years and recover public assets from those who “illegally acquired” them.

Magyar, 45, also wants to undo changes introduced under Orban — who fostered close ties with US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin — that eroded the judiciary, media, universities and other institutions.

He also said his government would review the constitutional system to ensure power can never again be overly concentrated. His Tisza party won 141 of parliament’s 199 seats, a comfortable two-thirds majority with the power to amend the constitution and push through key reforms.

Among Magyar’s most urgent priorities is unlocking billions of euros in EU funds frozen by Brussels over rule-of-law concerns. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated him on X, welcoming “the hope and promise of renewal in these challenging times”.

Published in Dawn, May 10th, 2026