Hungary's Incoming Prime Minister Vows to Suspend State Media 'Propaganda Machine'
Péter Magyar, Hungary's prime minister-elect, has made a bold pledge to suspend state media news coverage upon taking office around mid-May, denouncing it as a "propaganda machine." This announcement follows his landslide election victory on Sunday, which ended Viktor Orbán's 16-year rule, marking a significant shift in Hungarian politics.
Confrontation with State Media Outlets
In tense interviews with public radio and television on Wednesday, Magyar detailed his plans, marking his first state media appearance in 18 months. He accused these outlets of spreading fear and lies, drawing stark comparisons to propaganda from North Korea and Nazi-era Germany. "Every Hungarian deserves a public service media that broadcasts the truth," Magyar asserted on Kossuth state radio.
He emphasized that his government will enact a new press law and establish a media authority to ensure state media fulfills its intended public service role. However, the state media authority countered, claiming it had extended multiple invitations to Magyar and his party during the campaign, disputing his allegations of being shut out.
Challenges in Dismantling Orbán's Legacy
The interviews and a subsequent meeting with Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok, an Orbán supporter, highlighted the hurdles Magyar faces as he seeks to dismantle Orbán's "illiberal democracy." During Orbán's tenure, loyalists from his Fidesz party were placed in key positions across the state, media, and judiciary, raising questions about their response to a Tisza-led government.
Magyar reiterated his call for Sulyok to resign during their meeting, stating that the president is "unworthy of embodying the unity of the Hungarian nation" and incapable of ensuring respect for the law. Sulyok agreed to "consider" these arguments, with Magyar noting that the new parliament is expected to convene around May 6 or 7, potentially allowing his government to be sworn in by mid-May or earlier.
International Reactions and Orbán's Global Allies
Donald Trump, a staunch ally of Orbán, appeared to downplay the election loss in recent comments, suggesting that Magyar, a former Fidesz member with similar views on migration, "is going to do a good job." Trump had previously endorsed Orbán and intervened in the campaign, calling on Hungarians to vote for him and promising U.S. "economic might" if Orbán was re-elected.
U.S. Vice-President JD Vance also visited Budapest last week to support Orbán, with Trump offering a glowing endorsement via speakerphone. Vance later described Orbán's legacy as "transformational," citing efforts such as banning Pride events and clamping down on independent media, while expressing sadness over his loss. He assured that the U.S. administration would work well with Magyar, acknowledging Orbán as a "good partner."
Media Landscape and Future Reforms
Reporters Without Borders has consistently raised concerns about Hungary's media landscape, where Fidesz loyalists control an estimated 80% of the country's media, with state media serving as a government mouthpiece. Magyar posted on social media after the interviews, declaring, "We have just witnessed the last days of a propaganda machine," and vowing to suspend news services until their public service character is restored.
This move signals a potential overhaul of Hungary's media environment, aiming to foster transparency and truth in broadcasting, as Magyar leverages his electoral mandate to implement sweeping changes in the post-Orbán era.
