Peter Magyar, leader of the Tisza Party, who won the election in Hungary, said in his first statement: “Hungary wants to become a European country again and return to Europe.”
With 96 percent of the ballots counted in Hungary, Magyar—who was congratulated after reportedly defeating Prime Minister Viktor Orbán with over 53 percent of the vote—addressed his supporters in Budapest.
Starting his speech with the words “We did it,” Magyar said: “Tisza and Hungary won the election. And not by a small margin, but by a large one. Together, we have liberated Hungary. We could not have done it without you.”
Thanking the Hungarian people, Magyar added:
“Hungary wants to become a European country again and return to Europe.
I call on Hungarians who have left our country: Come home. Because Hungary needs all its daughters and sons.”
Who is Peter Magyar?
Peter Magyar, a lawyer and former diplomat, served in diplomatic roles in Brussels and on the boards of various state institutions during Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s 16-year tenure.
Magyar rose to public prominence following a political crisis linked to a controversial pardon decision in a child abuse case at the beginning of 2024. During this period, the resignation of the then-president and the withdrawal from politics of his ex-wife—former Justice Minister Judit Varga, from whom he divorced in 2023—contributed to Magyar’s break with the ruling Fidesz party and brought him to the forefront with his criticisms and allegations against the government.
In 2024, Magyar assumed leadership of the Tisza Party.