Hungary’s new prime minister, Péter Magyar, used his first speech after being sworn in to demand the resignation of President Tamás Sulyok, giving him and other senior officials a deadline of May 31 to step aside. The speech came moments after Magyar took the oath of office. The date carried added symbolism as May 9 is Europe Day, and Magyar presented his new government as a break with the era of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Hungary’s years of confrontation with European institutions. Speaking at the inaugural session of Hungary’s new parliament, Magyar was quoted by Hungarian news website Index.hu as saying: "Resign today, but no later than May 31," and adding that Sulyok should "lead the way" in quitting. Sulyok was elected Hungary’s president by parliament in 2024, with the backing of the ruling Fidesz majority. Magyar accused Sulyok of failing to defend the rule of law and vulnerable groups during Orbán’s final years in power. “How can you embody the unity of this beautiful nation after all this cowardice, neglect, and lies? I don't think so,” Magyar said. “Mr. President, it's time to leave with your head held high while you still can,” he added. Magyar also said past wrongdoing must be investigated, including the handling of public assets and election abuses. Orbán, a Kremlin-friendly nationalist and self-styled champion of “illiberal democracy”, used his 16 years in power to capture state institutions and build up a deeply-rooted system of cronyism, his critics say.
