Hungary's dancing politician, Zsolt Hegedűs, celebrated the inauguration of Péter Magyar outside parliament with viral dance moves that have come to symbolize a new, optimistic era for the country. The 56-year-old orthopedic surgeon, expected to be named health minister, became an internet sensation after breaking into an impromptu dance during Tisza party's landslide victory last month.
A Day of Symbolism and Celebration
As Péter Magyar took office, ousting Viktor Orbán after 16 years in power, the daylong event on Saturday was laced with symbolism. The return of the EU flag to parliament and the ringing out of the European anthem, Ode to Joy, marked a stark contrast to the previous administration. But it was Hegedűs's dance moves that may have become the most potent symbol of Hungary's new political era.
In the lead-up to Saturday's inauguration, Hegedűs's phone buzzed with messages from people eager to see him dance again. Many asked, 'Dr. Hegedűs, you're going to get this celebration started, aren't you?' or 'There's going to be dancing?' Hegedűs told the Guardian. Initially, he insisted that his previous dance had been a singular, spur-of-the-moment outpouring of emotion and that he would avoid a repeat performance.
The Viral Moment Returns
Despite his intentions, Hegedűs's emotions got the best of him when the music started. 'I could see that the audience had been waiting for this so eagerly,' he said. 'I didn't want to let down the people.' Images of his full-throttle dance moves, complete with air guitar, again went viral, reflecting the joy that has gripped much of Hungary since the election.
One day later, Hegedűs was still basking in the moment. 'I'm on an emotional rollercoaster that's still hard to wrap my head around,' he said. 'The love and the reception I received from people – both during and after the event – it was almost like having fans; they started celebrating me like a rock star.'
Using Popularity for Health Advocacy
As he prepares to focus on fixing Hungary's crumbling healthcare system, Hegedűs sees his fancy-footed moment as a potential way forward. 'It's not that I'm going to start dancing in parliament, but I want to use this popularity to encourage people to adopt a health-conscious lifestyle and focus on mental wellbeing,' he said, listing the myriad health benefits of dancing.
'Go outside, dance, be together. Let's stop fiddling with our gadgets. Let's enjoy the moment,' he added, suggesting that the time had come for Hungary to return to having táncház, the community dance halls that were once widespread across the country.
A Breath of Fresh Air
Hegedűs also pointed to the wider context, describing the dance as an embodiment of how much things have changed. 'The weight has begun to lift from people's shoulders,' he said. The defeat of Orbán saw the ubiquitous billboards seeking to drum up fears over the EU, Ukraine, and others steadily disappear from Hungary's streets.
'Now people no longer have to walk to work past those war posters and hate-mongering propaganda. There is no more visual pollution or that awful propaganda that took a toll on mental health,' he said. 'This is a breath of fresh air.'
