Peter Magyar is sworn in as Hungarian Prime Minister and promises a break with the Orban era

Peter Magyar was sworn in on Saturday as Hungary's new Prime Minister after his landslide electoral victory over Viktor Orban, ending sixteen years of nationalist rule.

The centrist leader came to power on promises of political change, fighting corruption and economic recovery, in a country facing fragile growth and a large budget deficit.

During his inaugural address in Budapest, Magyar pledged to restore Hungary's relations with its Western allies, which had deteriorated significantly under the Orban government due to disputes with the European Union and several European partners.

The new head of government also promised a sweeping reform of public media and institutions, stating his desire to strengthen the rule of law and restore democratic confidence.

His party, Tisza, now has a constitutional majority in Parliament after the elections of April 12, which could allow it to cancel several reforms put in place under Orban and criticized by his opponents as having weakened democratic checks and balances.

Magyar's victory was welcomed by some foreign investors as well as by Hungarians hoping for an improvement in the economic situation and a relaxation of tensions with European partners.