Who is Hungary’s new leader, and what does this mean for Europe and the US?

Péter Magyar has been elected as the new Hungarian Prime Minister, defeating long-time leader Viktor Orbán in a major political upset. His centre-right Tisza Party has ended 16 years of Orbán’s rule. Magyar, a 45-year-old lawyer from a prominent political family, was once part of Orbán’s Fidesz inner circle but a scandal involving his ex-wife saw him break away, later emerging as a pro-European challenger. His victory signals a significant shift in Hungary’s direction and could ease longstanding tensions between Budapest and Brussels. Orbán had frequently clashed with EU institutions and obstructed key decisions, particularly on sanctions, budget policy and support for Ukraine. Magyar has indicated a more cooperative stance, raising expectations that Hungary may align more closely with EU policy, including backing for Ukraine. Orbán’s departure may also weaken Europe’s right-wing populist networks and reshape the political landscape in Central Europe, while removing a key ally of Donald Trump and Vladmir Putin within the EU.