Hungary's New PM Magyar Exposes Orban's Decadence and Forms Expert Cabinet

In May 2026, Peter Magyar was sworn in as Hungary's new Prime Minister, marking a significant political shift after sixteen years of Viktor Orban's rule. Magyar immediately exposed the opulent lifestyle of his predecessor by releasing videos of Orban’s lavish official residence, which featured luxurious furnishings and valuable artworks, drawing comparisons to the Ceausescu era. This move resonated deeply with the Hungarian public, generating millions of views and symbolizing a break from the previous regime's secrecy. Magyar declared a 'regime change day,' restoring press freedoms in parliament and raising the EU flag, which had been removed twelve years prior. The new government prioritizes national reconciliation and justice, aiming to address moral and legal reckoning with the Orban system. Notably, Magyar appointed a cabinet composed almost entirely of non-political experts, including specialists in energy, economics, and health, signaling a technocratic approach to governance. The transition also included symbolic gestures of inclusion, such as playing the Roma anthem and featuring Roma singer Ibolya Olah, highlighting a commitment to healing societal divisions and reversing nationalist exclusions established under the former administration.