Orban Steps Down From Parliament After Hungarian Election Loss

FILE - Hungary Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Hungary's outgoing nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced he will step back from parliament after his coalition suffered a crushing election defeat. The loss ended his 16 years in power.

Orban lost to conservative pro-EU newcomer Peter Magyar, whose party secured a two-thirds parliamentary majority. Orban, a continuous presence in Hungary's National Assembly since 1990, stated he is not needed in parliament but rather in the party's reorganization. He is prepared to remain Fidesz party president if the party decides so in June.

Incoming Prime Minister Magyar, who promised "regime change," accused Orban of cowardice. Magyar's Tisza party won 141 seats, while Orban's Fidesz-KDNP secured 52 seats. The National Assembly's inaugural session is scheduled for May 9th.