Hungary’s ruling party under Viktor Orbán, from liberal origins to nationalist governance
Prime Minister Péter Magyar has unveiled "Operation Cleansing Fire," a package of constitutional, judicial and institutional reforms designed to remove Viktor Orbán’s allies, create a new anti‑corruption office and replace President Tamás Sulyok. Magyar is racing to meet EU rule‑of‑law milestones that would unlock €16.4bn in frozen funds and is preparing a September constitutional review and referendum.
Following Viktor Orbán’s defeat, Budapest Pride is going ahead with a largely peaceful march under heavy security. Organisers say the event signals hope for LGBTQ+ rights, while rights groups urge continued vigilance against lingering stigma and policy barriers.
Since his April landslide, Prime Minister Péter Magyar has moved to dismantle Viktor Orbán’s network: parliament has passed a constitutional package that has ended President Tamás Sulyok’s term, forced retirements for senior judges and imposed 12‑year term limits on MPs. Tisza is replacing Orbán appointees, suspending public broadcasters’ newsrooms and creating an anticorruption office.
The pro-European government has dismantled parts of the prior administration, suspended state media services, and pushed a constitutional amendment to remove the Orbán-era president, setting a 12-year term limit for MPs. Protests and investigations accompany the shift as Hungary charts a new political course.
The Hungarian prime minister’s party has nominated Judit Polgar for president as part of a plan for regime change. Polgar has declined, saying she lacks the strength to unify a divided nation, while Magyar vows to press on and seeks a consensus candidate in parliament.
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office has initiated a probe into EU funds funneled to the Agrofert group. The move follows a June letter from European Delegated Prosecutor Daniela Bárti ková about potential criminal proceedings concerning EU subsidies, tying back to former prime minister Babiš and his control over Agrofert. The Commission is assessing Prague’s steps to sever links, while Czech authorities continue subsidies to Agrofert.
The Hungarian Parliament confirms Andr?s Baka as transitional president, as the ruling party pursues a sweeping constitutional overhaul that tightens control over media and judiciary. The move comes after Tisza-led reforms dismantle Orbán-era institutions and set the stage for a new constitutional order.