Former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban accused his successor, Peter Magyar, of establishing an 'illegitimate authoritarian system' during a press conference in Budapest. Orban stated, 'This new political system is not a democracy, it is tyranny.' He served as prime minister for 16 years before losing to Magyar's pro-European Tisza party in April.
Orban claimed that Magyar seized his party's network equipment to suppress opposition. Magyar's administration had previously suspended Orban's public television and radio, labeling them as a 'propaganda factory' for Orban's Fidesz party, and conducted a raid on Fidesz data servers over embezzlement suspicions. Orban characterized Magyar's governance as reminiscent of 'severe dictatorships' and called for a 'peaceful resistance movement.'
Magyar's 'Operation Purgatory' aims to reform what he describes as Orban's misuse of government funds. His administration approved a constitutional amendment in June to prevent Orban from returning to power. In his inaugural address, Magyar emphasized a commitment to restoring checks and balances and strengthening Hungary's ties with the EU and NATO, contrasting Orban's previous support for closer relations with Russia. The Tisza party also passed an amendment to remove Hungary's president and impose term limits on Parliament members.
Critics have noted that Magyar, who was once part of Orban's political circle, has also faced accusations of authoritarianism. The Trump administration had previously viewed Orban as a key ally due to his conservative views and criticism of the European establishment. Orban visited the White House and State Department last week, although details of the discussions remain unclear.