EU Flag Returns to Budapest as Péter Magyar’s Parliament Convenes

Hungary’s new parliament convened on Saturday, May 9, with the opposition Tisza party holding an absolute majority following its April landslide victory. In a symbolic reversal of the previous administration’s policies, the new Speaker, Ágnes Forsthoffer, ordered the return of the EU flag to the parliament building for the first time in 12 years. While Viktor Orbán was absent from the session after resigning his seat to focus on party reform, Péter Magyar is set to have his 16-ministry government confirmed today. Make us preferred on Google Flip Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Hungary’s incoming Prime Minister Peter Magyar is pictured at the Hungarian parliament in Budapest on May 9, 2026. (Photo by Attila KISBENEDEK / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google The Hungarian Parliament held its inaugural session on Saturday, May 9, ushering in a new political era as the Tisza party, led by Péter Magyar, officially took control of the legislature, 444 reported. The session, which follows the April 12 elections, saw the Tisza party exercise its new absolute majority to elect Ágnes Forsthoffer as the Speaker of Parliament. In her first act in the role, Forsthoffer ordered the European Union flag to be re-displayed on the parliament building – an ornament that had been removed by the previous administration 12 years ago. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . The parliament is expected to formally approve Péter Magyar’s 16-ministry government today. The new leadership structure includes Ágnes Forsthoffer (Tisza) as a speaker and vice-speakers – a majority from the Tisza party, with single representatives from the now-opposition Fidesz, the Christian Democratic People’s Party (KDNP), and the far-right Mi Hazánk. Notably, outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was absent from the ceremony. Orbán recently resigned his parliamentary seat, stating he is “needed to reform the national camp” from within the Fidesz party rather than serving in the opposition. Despite the celebratory atmosphere in Budapest, Magyar’s government faces immediate pressure on both domestic and international fronts. Magyar has had to defend the appointment of his brother-in-law, Márton Melléthei-Barna , as the incoming Justice Minister. Critics have drawn parallels to the cronyism of the Orbán era , but Magyar insists the choice was based on “expertise and unwavering integrity” rather than political calculation. Other Topics of Interest Hungary’s PM-Elect Péter Magyar Set for Migration Clash With Brussels Hungary’s incoming Prime Minister, Péter Magyar, is facing an immediate confrontation with the European Union over the landmark Pact on Migration and Asylum. A European Commission report released on Friday reveals that Budapest is failing to meet core requirements of the overhaul, including the upgrade of the Eurodac database and the establishment of legal counseling for asylum seekers. While Magyar has sought to improve ties with Brussels to unlock frozen funds, he remains firm in his refusal to accept mandatory relocation mechanisms. The European Commission recently reported that Hungary is already lagging behind on the EU’s landmark Pact on Migration and Asylum . Magyar has signaled a hardline stance, stating Hungary will not accept “any pact or allocation mechanism,” potentially setting the stage for a swift clash with Brussels just weeks after taking office. International observers are closely watching the transition, particularly regarding the unblocking of frozen EU funds and Hungary’s stance on the €90-billion EU loan for Ukraine, which had been repeatedly vetoed by the previous government. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.