What Does Hungary’s New President Mean for Its Post-Orbán Future?

Key Points:

• Hungary’s parliament elected András Baka, a former chief justice ousted by Viktor Orbán, as president, symbolizing a potential end to Orbán’s illiberal regime and a new democratic era under Prime Minister Péter Magyar.
• Magyar’s government has swiftly acted to dismantle Orbán’s “mafia state” by securing €16 billion in EU funds, combating corruption, dissolving Orbán-linked foundations, and shutting down state-controlled media outlets.
• Despite these reforms, Magyar faces the challenge of removing entrenched Orbán loyalists from constitutional offices to enable a full democratic transition and initiate a constitutional consultation process aimed at drafting a new constitution.
• The removal of Orbán-appointed president Tamás Sulyok via constitutional amendment sparked controversy and legal challenges, but Sulyok ultimately resigned, paving the way for Baka’s presidency and signaling a break from Orbán’s legacy.
• Magyar’s leadership is seen as a critical test for Hungary’s democratic future, requiring careful political action to overcome illiberal legacies and foster broad societal support for constitutional reform and democracy.