A Brand New Beginning: Hungary Elects New Prime Minister after a Decade Long Reign

Rays of hope and optimism have started to shine for Hungarian citizens as Péter Magyar, Leader of the Tiszar Party, was sworn in as the new Prime Minister after his recent win. The recent election brought out a historical turnout to the polls with Hungarian Erasmus student, Viola Svisdal, going to Oslo to vote along with another Hungarian student. 

– It was great giving it an occasion, to go to Oslo, to be there for the country.

The Anticipation as Results Drew Closer 

The pair stayed in the capital for three days, spending hours watching the news channels such as Telex and reading Hungarian newspapers on Election Day. They kept an eye on how many people went to vote, reaching 78.94%.

– Every two hours we checked in and saw a new participation rate that was so much higher than previous years. It was very, very exciting.

The hours spent waiting for the results were full of excitement and joy. As the polls began to close, Svisdal witnessed the moments that went viral on Instagram, such as a member of parliament dancing on the stage as the country celebrated.

– Family, friends, everyone that is in the country right now told me that after the weekend, everyone was just smiling, relieved.

Life under Orbán’s rule 

Having been five years old when Orbán was sworn in as Prime Minister, Svisdal spent 16 years seeing the same government in power. While watching the elections unfold, the girls reminisced about the time under the Fidesz Leader. 

Under Orbán, Svisdal described his rhetoric as one that was full of fear and hatred and always painted some kind of enemy to the Hungarian people. She viewed it as having become ‘used to a low standard of living’.

– It became a normal way of thinking. How the education system works. Teachers aren’t content, Doctors aren’t content. You go through the public health system, but you’re gonna wait four months to get in.

She thinks these standards are also due to the country's historical background, but were maintained by Orbán. 

What’s next for Hungary?

Although she thinks that Mágyar has given hope to citizens for change, it still raises skepticism among some. 

– The former member of Fidesz is seen as “very confident” and there are still many things to reconstruct due to the past government, like Hungary’s constitutional law.

However, Svisdal sees this opportunity for change as a group effort.

– I don’t think this is only the work of the party but also the civilians themselves. We need to be more active, and take responsibility.

Péter Mágyar is set to be Prime Minister for the next four years also being allowed to run for a second term. While not being in Hungary to experience the buzz off the recent win, Svisdal looks forward to what the future holds.

–I wish I could be in Hungary to be part of charge, take responsibility, do something. I’m excited to be home to see that after my exchange.