The defeated Hungarian ex-prime minister Viktor Orban is foregoing his election as a member of parliament but says he wants to remain the party leader of Fidesz. Reportedly, he intends to travel to the United States.
After a heavy election defeat, Hungarian ex-prime minister Viktor Orbán is withdrawing from parliament. At the same time, tensions are rising around money flows and future plans of his political and economic network.
On the Run
Orbán announced that he will not take up his seat in the Hungarian parliament. Although he was elected via the party list, he is relinquishing his mandate following his party's loss.
Promotion
At the same time, strong criticism comes from the new ruler Péter Magyar. He accuses Orbán and his circle of wealthy allies of transferring large sums of money abroad.
According to Magyar, influential businessmen are trying to secure their assets outside Hungary. Several countries have been mentioned as possible destinations for these fund flows.
To the US
There are also signs that the Orbán family is preparing to leave. Some have reportedly moved their families and are taking practical steps to leave the country.
In addition, reports indicate that Orbán himself may have plans to travel abroad. The United States has been named as a possible destination. His daughter lives there.
The political upheaval in Hungary follows a clear election result. Péter Magyar's party won a broad majority, while Orbán's party suffered a heavy loss.
Despite stepping back from parliament, Orban’s role within his party remains uncertain for now. A party congress later this year will decide whether he remains leader.
A New Course?
With the change in power, Hungary is entering a new political phase, while uncertainty grows about the future of both the former rulers and their economic networks.
In the European Union countries, many are waiting to see whether the prospective new prime minister will continue the nationalist course of Orban’s Fidesz party, including its fierce anti-European Union and pro-Russian stance.