The European Union flag will be displayed alongside the Hungarian flag at the Hungarian Parliament building, marking the first time since 2004 that this has occurred. This decision was announced by the incoming Prime Minister, Peter Madyar, via social media.
“At the inaugural session of the National Assembly, the EU flag will again be displayed on the facade of the Parliament alongside the Hungarian and Szekler flags,” Madyar stated.
Despite Hungary assuming the role of the EU’s rotating presidency in 2024, the ruling Fidesz party had previously opted not to display the EU flag, citing that it was not a mandatory requirement.
A law enacted in 2004 stipulates that the EU flag should be raised at state institutions where the national flag is also displayed, provided certain conditions are met. However, specific institutions, including the Parliament building, are exceptions to this rule.
Parliamentary Elections in Hungary
On April 12, Hungary held parliamentary elections, achieving a record voter turnout of 79.5%. The incumbent Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, leader of the Fidesz party, acknowledged his defeat and congratulated Peter Madyar on his victory.
In his victory speech, Madyar outlined a commitment to restore cooperation with NATO and the EU, particularly with the Visegrád Group countries, and announced his intention to make his first official visit to Poland.
On April 18, it was reported that Madyar’s party, Tisza, solidified its position in the Hungarian Parliament following the final vote count. Official results indicate that Tisza will hold 141 of the 199 seats in the National Assembly, while Orban’s Fidesz party will have 52 lawmakers, and the far-right party Mi Hazank will have six representatives.
Hungary will display the EU flag at its Parliament for the first time in nearly two decades, following a change in leadership. The recent parliamentary elections saw Peter Madyar's party gain a significant majority, leading to a renewed commitment to EU cooperation.