Historic: Tisza Party nominates party VP as Speaker of Parliament – UPDATE

Hungary could soon see a historic change at the helm of its legislature, as the Tisza Party has nominated Ágnes Forsthoffer to serve as the next Speaker of the National Assembly. The announcement was made on Monday morning by party leader Péter Magyar on his official Facebook page.

If elected, Forsthoffer would replace László Kövér, who has held the powerful post since 2010, marking the end of a 16-year tenure that has defined parliamentary leadership in Hungary for over a decade.

Only the second female Speaker since 1990

Forsthoffer’s nomination is notable not only politically but also symbolically. She would become only the second woman to serve as Speaker of the Hungarian Parliament since the democratic transition, following Katalin Szili.

This move could be a shift in tone and leadership style within Hungary’s legislative body, especially after years of continuity under Kövér.

From tourism expert to top political role

Before entering national politics, Forsthoffer built her career in the tourism sector. She previously served as the Balaton regional head of the Hungarian Hotel and Restaurant Association, stepping down from the role when she joined the Tisza Party as a tourism expert last autumn, Telex wrote.

She is also linked to the family business that operates the Hotel Margaréta in Balatonfüred, showing her strong ties to the region where she later secured a decisive electoral victory.

In the 12 April parliamentary elections, Forsthoffer won the Veszprém County 2 constituency (centred on Balatonfüred) with an impressive 57.29% of the vote.

Within the party, she currently serves as one of its vice-presidents and plays a coordinating role in grassroots initiatives, including the so-called “TISZA Szigetek” (TISZA Islands).

Tisza Party consolidates power after election win

Just days earlier, Magyar also announced that Andrea Bujdosó would be nominated as the party’s parliamentary group leader after defeating Fidesz communications director Tamás Menczer in a key constituency race.

Together, the nominations suggest an effort by the Tisza Party to install a new generation of leadership figures at the highest levels of Hungarian politics.

A leadership style emphasising balance and inclusivity

In earlier statements, Forsthoffer shared her vision of leadership as one that blends strength with empathy, stressing the importance of compromise, creativity, and a supportive atmosphere within political decision-making.

Her approach could mark a departure from the more combative style that has often characterised Hungarian parliamentary politics in recent years.

What comes next?

The Hungarian Parliament is expected to vote on the Speaker nomination when the new legislative term begins. Given the Tisza Party’s strong electoral performance, Forsthoffer’s appointment appears highly likely, though formal confirmation is still required.

If approved, her election would not only end Kövér’s long-standing tenure but also usher in a new chapter for Hungary’s parliamentary leadership.

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UPDATE: Forsthoffer’s comments

Forsthoffer has reacted to the nomination on her Facebook page, saying she’s deeply honoured.

“Let our work in Parliament, our public life, and our public discourse set an example. Let debate be a matter of shared thinking, not a war. Let us see strength, not limitations, in adhering to rules and norms. Let there be a new style. Let there be new hope and a breath of fresh air in Parliament as well. If I am entrusted with this responsibility, I will work toward that end,” she said.