BUDAPEST — Péter Magyar is set to meet with Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok to seek a rapid transfer of power following Sunday's landslide election victory, according to bbc.com.
Magyar, who led the Tisza party to a two-thirds super-majority in parliament, intends to be in office by approximately May 5. While President Sulyok has so far refused Magyar's demand to step down, the outlet reported that the president is widely expected to nominate Magyar as the next prime minister.
On Wednesday, Magyar appeared on public radio and television for the first time in 18 months. During these broadcasts, he announced his intention to suspend news coverage on state-run outlets, which he described as propaganda.
Magyar claimed that 70% to 80% of Hungarian media is controlled by allies of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. He stated that these outlets subject him and his party to 300 lies every day and denied him any appearances on state television during the campaign.
"Every Hungary deserves a public service media that broadcasts the truth," Magyar told Kossuth radio, adding that his actions are not motivated by personal revenge despite the frequent insults directed at his family.
US support and EU funding hurdles
US President Donald Trump has expressed support for the incoming leader. Speaking to ABC News reporter Jonathan Karl, Trump called Magyar a "good man" and stated, "I think the new man's going to do a good job."
Trump had previously campaigned for Magyar's ally, Viktor Orbán, urging Hungarians to vote for him.
Magyar now faces the urgent task of reversing policies that the European Parliament has labeled an "electoral autocracy." He has specifically targeted the corruption and cronyism associated with the previous administration.
Efforts are also underway to unlock frozen European Union funds. Magyar met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday to discuss the €17 billion currently suspended over rule-of-law concerns. Von der Leyen noted that "swift work" is required to realign Hungary with European values.
Despite the change in leadership, Orbán is expected to serve as caretaker prime minister during an EU summit in Cyprus later this month. The transition remains complicated by Hungary's previous veto of €90 billion in aid to Ukraine, a move Magyar says is no longer relevant to his administration.
