Viktor Orbán Steps Down from Parliament After Election Defeat

Hungary's outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has announced he will not take his seat in the new parliament following his party's defeat in the April 12 election. Instead, Orbán plans to focus on reorganizing his nationalist-populist political movement, Fidesz.

In a video message posted on social media, Orbán stated that his role would shift from parliamentary work to the reorganization of the "national side."

The April 12 election ended Orbán's 16-year tenure as prime minister, with the center-right Tisza party, led by Péter Magyar, securing a two-thirds majority in parliament. This majority enables the new government to reverse many of Orbán's policies.

Magyar has pledged to restore democratic institutions and the rule of law, addressing corruption that he claims was widespread under the previous administration.

Orbán, who has served in parliament since 1990, indicated he would remain president of Fidesz, subject to approval at the party's upcoming congress.

The new parliament is scheduled to convene on May 9, marking the first time since Hungary's transition from state socialism in 1990 that Orbán will not hold a seat among lawmakers.