Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar has been included in TIME’s TIME100 Next 2026 list, which highlights rising figures the magazine considers to be shaping the future.
Péter Magyar, who became Hungary’s prime minister after the Tisza Party’s April election victory, has been named among TIME’s TIME100 Next 2026, a list recognising what the magazine describes as the world’s most influential rising stars.
In its profile of the Hungarian prime minister, TIME highlights the political significance of Magyar’s victory over Viktor Orbán and the 16-year period of Fidesz government that preceded it.
TIME highlights Magyar’s election victory
TIME describes the April election result as a major political change in Hungary, noting that Magyar’s Tisza Party ended 16 uninterrupted years of Orbán’s rule.
The magazine says the result represented a strongly pro-European political shift at a time when Eurosceptic populism has gained ground in several parts of Europe.
TIME also points to Magyar’s political background. Before founding Tisza, he was associated with Orbán’s Fidesz party and served in several government-related positions. The magazine describes him as a conservative who remains sceptical of immigration and has referred to Hungary’s Austro-Hungarian heritage.
At the same time, TIME contrasts Magyar’s approach with that of the former prime minister, highlighting his promises to tackle corruption and rebuild state institutions.
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A different direction for Hungary
According to TIME, Magyar’s political programme has focused in part on strengthening institutions and the rule of law after years of controversy over Hungary’s democratic institutions and its relationship with the European Union.
The magazine characterises his election as an opportunity for Hungary to move beyond what it calls an “illiberal period” and argues that the result demonstrated the continuing influence of voters and institutions in shaping the country’s political direction.
Magyar’s inclusion places him among a group of emerging political, business, cultural, scientific and other figures selected by TIME for the 2026 edition of TIME100 Next. The recognition comes less than six months after his party’s election victory and as Magyar’s government continues its first year in office.
TIME’s full profile of Péter Magyar is part of its TIME100 Next 2026 special issue.
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