Can Hungary’s Magyar deliver on his promises of reform and restore a relationship to the EU?

The country's new leadership has pledged to reverse years of democratic backsliding, but they must act quickly

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Under blue skies on Saturday, crowds cheered as the EU flag was raised on the facade of the Hungarian parliament after a long absence. It was a powerful symbol on the day Peter Magyar was sworn in as Hungary's prime minister, with a declaration that Hungarians had given his party a mandate to launch a new chapter" in the country's history, and change the system.

The new government, seen as an experienced technocratic team, immediately signalled its new direction. Hungary's place is in Europe; naturally, firmly and without question," foreign minister designate Anita Orban said. Soon after, Hungary dropped its long-standing veto over sanctions against violent Israeli settlers - a sign it no longer sought to be outside the EU mainstream.