Hungary’s Prime Minister Magyar Vows To Return Orbán-Era Luxury Buildings To “The People” Amid Bible Message Row

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief reporting from Budapest, Hungary

BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Hungary’s new Prime Minister Péter Magyar has vowed to return luxury government buildings from the Orbán era to “the Hungarian people,” after revealing that he found a highlighted Bible passage in former premier Viktor Orbán’s office declaring that “the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth.”

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of his new government in parliament, Magyar said his administration “will serve the country and not the prime minister,” in a direct rebuke of Orbán’s 16 years in power.

The sixteen ministers of the new Tisza government took their oath Tuesday afternoon after earlier receiving their credentials from President Tamás Sulyok at Budapest’s Sándor Palace.

Magyar used his first major government speech to sharply criticize the previous administration, describing hospitals lacking disinfectant and toilet paper, moldy walls, and poor conditions in children’s homes.

He said that while ordinary Hungarians struggled, the former government spent more than one trillion forints — about $3 billion — on luxury government offices and ministries.

RETURNING ORBÁN-ERA BUILDINGS

Magyar stressed that the prime minister’s office would not move into Orbán’s former headquarters at the Karmelita complex in Budapest’s historic Buda Castle District, nor into what he called the “luxury ministry” associated with former minister Antal Rogán.

According to Magyar, these buildings would ultimately be “returned to the Hungarian people.”

“It will be a long road before these wounds heal, but today we begin this task,” Magyar told lawmakers, while also promising more transparent governance and saying his administration would be willing to admit mistakes and listen to citizens.

The remarks came a day after Magyar made an unannounced visit to Orbán’s former office in the renovated Carmelite monastery complex, commonly known as “the Karmelita.”

During the visit, Magyar accused ministers linked to Orbán’s Fidesz party of still taking on financial obligations and making important decisions without informing the incoming government.

BIBLE VERSE DISCOVERED IN OFFICE

Magyar also showed journalists and supporters a Bible in which a verse from the Book of Daniel had reportedly been underlined: “The Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people.”

The passage, from Daniel 4:17, is linked to the Biblical account of Babylonian ruler Nebuchadnezzar and is widely seen by Christians and Jews as a reminder that political power ultimately remains under God’s authority.

The verse also carries a warning against pride and arrogance among rulers.

Orbán has frequently spoken about Christian and Biblical values guiding his leadership, despite accusations from critics that he concentrated too much power during his years in office — allegations he has denied.

Magyar also pointed to a paper shredder in Orbán’s former office amid opposition allegations that documents may have been destroyed during the political transition.

TRANSITION TENSIONS GROW

In a sharply worded letter Monday evening, Magyar demanded urgent written clarification from outgoing ministers regarding all decisions and financial commitments undertaken since his inauguration Saturday.

“I also call on you to undertake any further obligations only after prior approval from the Prime Minister,” Magyar wrote.

The escalating tensions come only days after Magyar urged President Sulyok — viewed by critics as an Orbán ally — to resign during a fiery inaugural speech in parliament.

Many of Magyar’s supporters have described the recent developments as symbolizing “the end of the Orbán era,” although the new prime minister has repeatedly urged Hungarians to pursue reconciliation rather than revenge.

Magyar said that while he would seek justice in corruption-related cases, he also wanted to help heal the wounds of Hungary’s recent political history.

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