On election night, April 12, the streets of Budapest were alive with optimism. For many young voters, this was their first experience of political upheaval: the end of the Orbán era. The honeymoon period remains intact, bolstered by the new government's commitment to "system change," a goal supported by a significant parliamentary supermajority of 141 seats.
Yet beyond the promise of "system change", the new government offered few details about what that transformation would actually look like. Millions voted for a transformation based on opposition to the status quo rather than a detailed policy platform. Viktor Orbán became the singular symbol of past frustrations, but with his departure, a significant power vacuum has emerged.
Orbán’s withdrawal from active politics has allowed the Tisza party to begin what it terms a "cleansing" of public life. This rhetoric has quickly translated into action, as the government moves to consolidate its influence across various national institutions.
Dismantling the Guardrails
On July 13, 2026, the passing of a 17th constitutional amendment marked a significant shift. This legislation removed President Tamás Sulyok and other key officials from office, citing criteria such as age and tenure. While the presidency is largely ceremonial, it serves as a critical check on executive power, an obstacle the current administration appears keen to remove.
The same amendment terminated the leadership of the Constitutional Court and established a new oversight body to investigate the prior administration, effectively merging several independent institutions under centralized control.
This transition reached public media on July 7, when state channel M1 abruptly ceased its regular programming with an apology for past bias. While new management claims this marks the beginning of an independent era, the swift dismissal of veteran journalists suggests a simple transfer of control rather than genuine reform.
Silencing Dissent
The administration's treatment of critics has also drawn scrutiny. During a June 15 debate, Prime Minister Magyar suggested that the government would seek to influence the content of the conservative weekly Mandiner. Such remarks have prompted several right-wing outlets, including Pesti Srácok, to scale back operations in anticipation of increasing pressure.
Legal and investigative tools have been utilized in ways that some view as politically motivated. On July 8, a raid was conducted at the home of influencer István Szakács on suspicion of "planning a terrorist act" following a video defense of the former administration; he was released shortly after with all charges dropped. Similar searches have targeted other media figures, involving the seizure of personal devices.
The national tax office, NAV, has also shown increased activity following public protests. Shortly after a rally organized by the conservative platform KözTér, the company was subjected to a comprehensive audit. Despite finding no major wrongdoing, a penalty was still issued, raising concerns about the use of state authorities for intimidation.
Furthermore, the pre-trial detention of former Óbuda mayor Balázs Bús without a court verdict has sparked debate. Bús, who has denied any breach of trust, described the move as politically motivated. Collectively, these actions - audits, raids, and detentions - suggest a pattern of targeting political opponents that warrants serious international attention.
Turning Away From Allies
In a departure from previous policy, the new government has reversed Hungary’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court and signaled a shift in its diplomatic stance toward Israeli leadership. Economic partnerships once prioritized by the previous administration appear to have been sidelined in favor of closer alignment with broader European Union objectives.
Resistance to the EU Migration Pact has diminished, and the government has signaled compliance with EU Court decisions regarding social policy. Additionally, the Ministry of Education has indicated new requirements for church-run schools, suggesting a move toward greater state oversight of historically independent institutions.
The current trajectory indicates a significant pivot back toward Brussels, moving away from the sovereignty-focused and US-aligned posture that defined recent years.
The Real Test Begins
While the initial narrative suggested a straightforward return to democracy, the events of the first seventy days tell a more complex story. The rapid moves against journalists, former officials, and independent institutions reveal a government focused on consolidating power.
The pressure on the former governing party continues; on July 21, its headquarters was raided, and attempts were made to confiscate its data center, signaling an ongoing offensive against political rivals.
The established opposition remains fragmented and unable to provide a cohesive counterweight. Consequently, a new generation of Hungarians - those who celebrated on election night - is beginning to realize that the "change" they desired requires constant vigilance and a voice that the current political landscape is failing to provide.
In response, a new civic frontline is emerging. This network of independent voices, influencers, and organizers is poised to hold the new leadership to the standards it promised. By speaking the language of the people and advocating for transparency, these movements represent the healthiest defense for a society when traditional institutions falter. The future of Hungary now rests on their ability to demand accountability and protect the democratic ideals that fuel hope.
