Who is Peter Mazar? The lawyer who defeated Viktor Orban to become Hungary’s prime minister after 16 years of rule

Péter Magyar, a former insider in Hungary’s ruling establishment, is set to become the country’s next prime minister after defeating long-time leader Viktor Orbán in a historic 2026 election.Magyar, 45, is a lawyer, diplomat and leader of the centre-right Tisza party. He has been close to Orban’s Fidesz party and has held various positions in the party, including in state-owned enterprises and working on the European Union.His rise has been rapid. Until 2024, he was largely unknown to the public. That changed when he broke with the government after a major pardon scandal and publicly accused it of corruption and abuse of power.Within months, Magyar launched a new political platform and took over the Tisza party, positioning himself as the main challenger to Orban’s 16-year rule. His party received strong support in the 2024 European Parliament elections, a sign of growing public support.In the April 2026 parliamentary election, Magyar led Tisza to a decisive victory, ending Orban’s long term. The result marked one of Hungary’s biggest political shifts since the end of communism, with high voter turnout and a clear mandate for change.Magyar’s campaign focused on fighting corruption, restoring democratic institutions and improving relations with the European Union. He also called for reducing Hungary’s dependence on Russian energy and rebuilding ties with Western allies.Although Magyar positioned himself as a reformer, he remained conservative. He describes himself as pro-European but critical and maintains firm stances on issues such as immigration and national sovereignty.Magyar was born in Budapest in 1981 into a political family. He studied law and later worked in the public and private sectors. He was previously married to former Justice Minister Judit Varga, a key figure in Orban’s government.His transformation from Orban loyalist to leading opponent is central to his appeal. After more than a decade of nationalist rule, Magyar now faces the challenge of delivering on his promises and reshaping the direction of Hungarian politics.