Hungarian opposition leader Magyar calls for president resignation, vows stronger NATO role
Tisza party leader Péter Magyar (photo: Screenshot)
Speaking at a mass rally of supporters, likely future Hungarian prime minister Péter Magyar called on the country's president to resign. He also said all "puppets" should step down, according to the livestream of the rally.
The leader of the Tisza party announced a shift in Hungary's foreign policy. The main priority of Magyar and his political force will be restoring trust within key international blocs. He plans to move away from the policy of balancing that Viktor Orbán pursued for years.
According to the politician, the country must become predictable again. Magyar also directly stated his intention to strengthen defense capabilities within NATO.
"We will restore the functioning of institutions that ensure democracy and its independence. Hungary will once again become a strong ally in the European Union and NATO," Magyar stressed.
The politician has already announced his visit to the capital of Belgium. His goal is to unblock European funding that was frozen due to Viktor Orbán. In turn, this led to the stagnation of many state programs, the head of Tisza emphasized.
Ultimatum to the current authorities and the president
Magyar does not intend to wait for lengthy procedures of power transfer. He demands an immediate renewal of the entire state apparatus. The country's president, Tamás Sulyok, came under attack, whom Magyar considers part of Orbán's old system.
"I call on the president of the republic to ask me to form a government and then leave his post. I call on all puppets to do the same," the politician said.
How the elections in Hungary took place
The parliamentary elections were marked by a historic voter turnout. After 16 years of Orbán's rule, 77.80% of Hungarians came to elect a new prime minister, which amounts to nearly 6 million people.
According to preliminary data, Péter Magyar is winning the elections. As of 23:55 on April 12, 90% of the votes have been counted. The Tisza party will receive more than 50% of the seats in parliament (138 mandates).
Viktor Orbán himself has already acknowledged his defeat.
"The election result is painful for us, but it is unambiguous… I have congratulated the winning party," Orbán said.
