Former Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban declared "resistance" on Facebook on 21/7 evening, claiming Hungary "is no longer a democratic nation" after the new center-right government of Prime Minister Peter Magyar passed constitutional amendments. These amendments ended the terms of both the President and the Constitutional Court's Chief Justice.

"The new political system created in this manner is illegal. Our Fidesz party will use all peaceful means to resist this abuse of power, both inside and outside parliament," Orban stated.

Viktor Orban attends an event in Vienna, Austria on 20/6. Photo: AFP

This marks the first significant political statement from the former Hungarian prime minister since the Fidesz party's defeat in the general election in 4, which ended his 16 years in power. The declaration followed Fidesz's announcement that prosecutors had searched the party's server office.

Prosecutors stated the search was part of an investigation into embezzlement and other offenses at the National Cultural Fund (NKA) during Orban's administration.

Magyar's Tisza party denied claims of a hardline approach against political opponents. The party committed to combating corruption, contending it proliferated under the Orban administration. It frames this effort as a move to realign Hungary with the European Union (EU) mainstream.

During his time in power, Orban was often accused of eroding democratic norms in Hungary. His government frequently clashed with the EU on issues such as the rule of law and minority rights.

Orban denied all corruption allegations.

Prime Minister Magyar's Tisza party currently holds a supermajority in parliament, enabling it to overturn many changes implemented by Orban.

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar at his inauguration in parliament in 5. Photo: AFP

Hungary's amended constitution also ended the term of President Tamas Sulyok, citing "a serious loss of public trust" in the president, who was elected by Orban's Fidesz-controlled parliament in 2024. The Hungarian parliament is expected to elect a new president soon.

Prime Minister Magyar's Tisza party enjoys significant voter support. A survey released by the Median polling firm earlier this month showed Tisza with 60% public support, while Fidesz garnered 18%. Since its election defeat, Fidesz has faced internal divisions, with the leader of the party's parliamentary group resigning last week.

Huyen Le (According to Reuters, AP)