These are the 13 images that encapsulate Magyar Peter’s rise in 2024.
1. Where it all began... *that* Partizan interview
During the first weeks of the clemency scandal (whereby it was revealed the President and Justice Minister gave clemency to someone convicted of aiding a paedophile) the Justice Minister’s ex-husband – Magyar Peter – gave a 1 hour 35-minute interview to Partizan. You can watch it here. In it he proclaimed “a few families own half the country” and he listed his disillusionment with the ruling party he was once a part of. This interview led to one thing and then the next…next minute Magyar’s new Tisza party is neck and neck with Fidesz in the polls. The interview has been watched 2.7 million times on YouTube.
2. March 15th rally
Just 33 days after the Partizan interview, Magyar Peter’s March 15th rally (coinciding with Hungary’s commemoration of the 1848 revolution) had a huge turnout – more than Orban’s incredibly.
3. Truck mascot - Ricsi
I’m not sure how but someone at the start of everything, Magyar Peter’s crew started turning up at events in the below truck – named Ricsi. It shows his down-to-earth nature. His ability to have some fun. And helps his agility in being able to turn up and speak just about anywhere using it as a portable stage. As you can see, the flag is spray painted on the front. I haven’t seen Ricsi since autumn – let’s hope it makes a return in Spring 2025. In the meantime, you can buy a Ricsi mug at the official webshop here.
4. Celebrating the EU Parliament election results
I love this photo because it encapsulates the joy that many felt after months of nervous worry about how the EU Parliament elections would turn out. In the end, Tisza got almost 30% of the vote and Fidesz achieved it’s worst result in EU Parliament elections to date.
5. Orban and Magyar face-off in person
This is *the* iconic photo of the year. Although Orban and Magyar have met many times before as they used to run in the same circles, this is the first time the two had met since MP left Fidesz and launched Tisza. This photo is at the European Parliament where both spoke. MP walked over to Orban, and Orban shook his hand although didn’t stand. To me the photo represents the old dog and the new. It also represents MP’s courage. And it represents Orban’s unsurety (he has previously refused to shake hands with opposition leader’s) and maybe even begrudging respect for the matchup that is about to play out.
6. Magyar Peter takes a thermometer to hospitals
Hungary’s healthcare system is famously bad. I like to refer to it is a Pripyat after Chernobyl (Google it). During a historic heatwave in Budapest, Magyar Peter took to the hospitals to showcase the dilapidated conditions and that even the AC was not working in many spots. This photo represents Magyar’s willingness to pound the pavement and highlight the real issues that have remained unresolved by the current government.
7. Non-stop work ethic
Out of several photos Magyar Peter has posted of himself getting around on trains. I love this one the most because it shows his tireless work ethic. He’s also wearing the blue sunnies he auctioned for charity after being teased about them. Trains have also been relevant in 2024 because they kept running off the rails — much like the government to be fair.
8. The disgraceful state of State-run children's homes
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9. Making light of attacks - one fruit at a time
After the public broadcaster (srsly) made fun of Magyar Peter adjusting his private parts, Magyar Peter doesn’t shy away or ignore it. He tackles things head on so he posted photos of himself with bananas and even posted a video of him making eggplant dip. This photo epitomises this character trait of his, which makes it harder for Fidesz’s ridiculous attacks to stick.
10. It's a movement
Beyond getting huge crowds for his speeches, you can tell that people love Magyar Peter. People of all ages from young men to middle-aged women pose with him for selfies.
11. The Menczer moment
This is one of the iconic moments of the year, where Fidesz’s Communications Director Menczer Tamas accosted MP as he was trying to give Christmas gifts to some of the most vulnerable kids in the country — those in care homes. Menczer got in MP’s face and tried to intimidate and embarrass him by saying “It’s over, little one!” It’s not over Menczer, and go and brush your furry yellow teeth please.
12. With the people
I love this photo because again it shows Magyar Peter with the real people of the country. In this case a homeless person who turned up at Tisza’s food kitchen pre-Christmas. I can’t remember the last time I saw Orban doing anything with the real people of the country. Let alone shaking the hand of a homeless person.
13. This family photo goes crazy on Facebook
Magyar Peter has no doubt had a tough year on the family front. His wife made many not-great claims about him. And Magyar Peter has himself spoken about his differing political opinions with his eldest son. But this Christmas photo with his two youngest kids went bananas on Facebook – getting more than 150,000 likes, and epitomises the groundswell of support for him.
