Pro-EU Magyar vows 'new era' in Hungary after ousting Orban in vote

Hungarian prime minister-elect Peter Magyar pledged on Monday to usher in a "new era" after defeating nationalist leader Viktor Orban in elections seen as a blow to hard-right populism.

Orban, a self-described "thorn" in the European Union's side who was backed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, was ousted in Sunday's ballot after 16 years in power.

Hungarians fed up with corruption handed Magyar, a conservative former government insider, a decisive victory.

Magyar said he would do "everything in our power to ensure that this truly marks the beginning of a new era."

He urged President Tamas Sulyok, an Orban ally, to convene parliament "as soon as possible."

"Our country has no time to waste. Hungary is in trouble in every respect. It has been plundered, looted, betrayed, indebted, and ruined," he told reporters.

Magyar's Tisza party won a two-thirds majority in the parliamentary elections, which drew a record turnout.

Tens of thousands of jubilant supporters poured into the streets to celebrate in the capital, Budapest.

AFP