A Rise from Obscurity to Political Power
In just two years, Péter Magyar has transformed from a relatively unknown figure in Hungarian politics into the most significant challenge to the Fidesz Party — his former political home — and its 16-year dominance in government. His journey is one of dramatic change, marked by personal connections, political upheaval, and a growing public following.
Born into a Conservative Family
Magyar was raised in a family of prominent conservatives. His grandfather, Pál Erőss, was a well-known TV personality and lawyer, while his godfather, Ferenc Mádl, served as the President of Hungary. Magyar graduated from the law faculty of Pázmány Péter Catholic University in 2004. During his university years, he formed a friendship with Gergely Gulyás, who would later become the Minister of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s office. Gulyás introduced Magyar to Judit Varga, whom he married in 2006. The couple had three children together, and Varga eventually became the country’s justice minister under Orbán.
Career in Government and Diplomacy
After being sent to Brussels by the Orbán government to serve as a diplomat handling EU affairs, the family returned to Hungary in 2018. Magyar was appointed to the board of directors of state-owned road operation and maintenance company Magyar Közút ZRT. He later became head of the government’s student loan provider and was on the board of several other state companies. However, he and Varga divorced in 2023.
A Scandal That Changed Everything
Magyar was largely unknown to the public until a major scandal erupted in early 2024. The pardon of a convicted child abuser’s accomplice led to the resignation of the president and Varga’s retirement from politics. The Fidesz Party blamed Varga for signing the pardon decision in her role as justice minister. Magyar, outraged, took to Facebook within hours to publicly condemn the government. This moment marked a turning point in his relationship with the party.
His post accused the government of widespread corruption and detailed abuses he had witnessed, such as being forced to favor individuals close to Orbán during his time as head of the national student loan provider. Following this, he gave an interview with online channel Partizán, which played a crucial role in his rapid rise in popularity.
From Rally to European Parliament
Magyar’s growing influence led to a rally in Budapest on Andrássy Avenue that attracted tens of thousands of people. Capitalizing on his newfound support, he took over the previously unknown Tisza Party and ran as a candidate in the 2024 European Parliament elections. He won a seat as MEP, with Tisza finishing second behind the ruling coalition.
The election results indicated that Hungarian voters were increasingly disillusioned with other opposition parties, which Magyar referred to as “old opposition.”
Facing Allegations and Challenges
Despite his rise, several allegations have been made against Magyar, including accusations of domestic abuse from his former wife, spying, and drug consumption. A document claiming to be the Tisza Party’s tax programme was recently posted online, but its authenticity remains unconfirmed. In a bizarre incident in February this year, Magyar claimed he was blackmailed by government figures with a sex tape involving him and his former partner, secretly recorded in a Budapest flat in 2024. Fidesz representatives denied the claim.
Nevertheless, polls suggest that Magyar’s popularity has remained largely unaffected.
A Vision for Hungary
Magyar has made it a priority to travel extensively to meet voters, positioning himself as different from out-of-touch opponents. Towards the end of the election campaign, he spoke in seven cities within a single day. He has promised to improve public services and undertake reforms to unfreeze billions of Euros allocated by the EU for Hungary.
His stance on LGBTQ issues is unclear, while his views on immigration are even stricter than Orbán’s, as he has stated he would end the government’s guest worker programme. He is generally distrustful of the media and often clashes with them.
Overall, his promise to voters is simple: a functioning country with a Western identity and Christian-conservative politics, but without what he calls the corruption of Fidesz.
