The Hungarian parliament has also elected Peter Magyar as the new Prime Minister. 140 of the 199 MPs voted for the politician, 54 voted against and 1 abstained. Four MPs did not participate in the vote.
Source: Belga
Magyar officially succeeds right-wing populist Viktor Orban, who was in power for sixteen years. “Today is officially the first day of system change,” Magyar said, before entering the parliament building with his party’s Tisza faction in the morning.
The new head of government himself comes from Orban’s Fidesz party, but broke with him two years ago. He then presented himself as an alternative to Orban, who became increasingly authoritarian in governing Hungary, while the country lagged behind economically and foreign policy reached an impasse.
After taking office, Magyar promised before parliament to serve the country, and not act as a monarch. “I will not rule Hungary, but serve my country. I will serve it as long as my services are useful and the country needs them,” he added. Magyar said that “millions have chosen change” after sixteen years of Orban.
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