Hungary begins media reforms following Péter Magyar's election victory

Following the April 2026 parliamentary elections, Péter Magyar and his Tisza Party secured a two-thirds majority, ending 16 years of rule by Viktor Orbán and his Fidesz party. This political shift has initiated significant institutional reforms, most notably regarding the country's media landscape.

Under the previous administration, the state-controlled media was widely criticized for serving as a propaganda tool. In a symbolic move toward reform, the public broadcaster recently aired an unprecedented apology on its screens, acknowledging years of misleading the public. While the new government aims to restore trust through transparency and independence, the transition faces challenges including controversial personnel decisions and unresolved funding issues.

Additionally, the era of Orbán's rule saw a rise in the importance of social media and independent digital outlets, such as Telex, as citizens sought information outside of state-controlled channels. These platforms became vital spaces for civil society and the women's rights movement, which faced systematic obstacles under the previous government's conservative family policies.