Peter Magyar Becomes Hungary's New Prime Minister

Peter Magyar was officially sworn in as Hungary's new prime minister on Saturday after a landslide election victory over Viktor Orban, who had led the country for 16 years. The leader of the Tisza party secured a constitutional majority on a platform of economic revival, anti-corruption measures and political reform.

After taking office, Magyar declared that Hungarians had given his government a mandate not only for a cabinet reshuffle but also for a "new beginning" for the country.

The new prime minister inherits an economy weakened by stagnation, rising energy costs and a high budget deficit, which he estimates could reach up to 7% of GDP.

Magyar has also pledged to reorient Hungary toward the West after years of disputes between the Orban government and the EU and NATO, with unblocking billions of euros in withheld EU funds among his stated priorities.

(reuters, mja)