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Brussels celebrates Magyar's investiture in Hungary on Europe Day; ends 16-year ultra-Orbán era
🇲🇽 Mexico /Elections & Politics

Brussels celebrates Magyar's investiture in Hungary on Europe Day; ends 16-year ultra-Orbán era

From El Universal · (3h ago) Spanish Positive tone

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • European Union leaders Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa welcomed the inauguration of Peter Magyar as Hungary's new prime minister.
  • Magyar's investiture marks the end of Viktor Orbán's 16-year ultranationalist government.
  • The EU leaders expressed hope for renewed cooperation and a focus on combating corruption under Magyar's leadership.

Brussels has reacted with palpable relief and optimism to the investiture of Peter Magyar as Hungary's new prime minister, signaling a significant shift after 16 years under the ultranationalist leadership of Viktor Orbán. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa both celebrated the event, emphasizing its significance on Europe Day.

Von der Leyen conveyed a message of hope and renewal, stating, "On this Europe Day, our hearts are in Budapest. The hope and promise of renewal are a powerful signal in these difficult times. We have important work ahead. For Hungary and for Europe, we move forward together." This sentiment underscores the EU's desire for a more cooperative relationship with Hungary, moving away from the often-contentious era of Orbán's government.

On this Europe Day, our hearts are in Budapest. The hope and promise of renewal are a powerful signal in these difficult times. We have important work ahead. For Hungary and for Europe, we move forward together.

— Ursula von der LeyenCongratulating Peter Magyar on his investiture and expressing optimism for future cooperation.

Costa highlighted the "happy coincidence" of Magyar's investiture occurring on Europe Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the achievements of EU cooperation and unity. He expressed eagerness to "work closely" with Magyar within the European Council, indicating a strong desire for collaborative efforts. The symbolic act of re-hoisting the European Union flag in the Hungarian Parliament, which had been removed during the previous administration, further reinforces this new direction.

Magyar's program, focused on dismantling Orbán's system, restoring EU relations, and combating corruption, resonates strongly with Brussels. The election, which saw 140 votes in favor and 54 against, paves the way for a potential reset in Hungary-EU dynamics. From a European perspective, this transition is viewed not just as a change in Hungarian leadership but as a crucial step towards reinforcing democratic values and the rule of law across the bloc, particularly after years of friction over Hungary's adherence to these principles.

The Portuguese added that he is looking forward to 'working closely' with Magyar in the European Council.

— António CostaExpressing his intention to collaborate with the new Hungarian prime minister.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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