Hungary’s newly elected parliament is due to convene on Saturday as Péter Magyar is set to be sworn in as the country’s new prime minister in the afternoon.

This is coming after his Tisza party’s landslide victory in last month’s parliamentary election ended Viktor Orbán’s 16-year hold on power.

Magyar’s Tisza Party won the parliamentary election in April by a landslide, receiving a majority capable of amending the constitution.

Millions of voters are pinning their hopes on the election winner to restore the rule of law in this Central European country and repair its damaged relationship with the European Union.

Brussels and Kiev are optimistic that dealing with the new Hungarian leader will be more constructive than with the Russia-friendly Orbán.

Ukraine’s recovery of confiscated funds from Hungary and Budapest lifting its veto on a huge EU loan for Kiev are signs that things are indeed moving in this direction.

Mr Magyar now faces domestic pressure to focus on the high cost of living and anti-corruption reforms. While the public is broadly pro-EU, it is divided over support for Ukraine.

Observers note that if Magyar fails to meet expectations or appears out of step with public demands, support could quickly erode, and his parliamentary majority could come under strain. (dpa/NAN)