An orthopaedic surgeon captured global attention after breaking into an exuberant dance outside the Hungarian Parliament during the swearing-in of new Prime Minister Péter Magyar.
Magyar, 45, assumed office following his Tisza party’s decisive victory in the April 12 parliamentary election, which brought an end to Viktor Orbán’s 16-year tenure. Sharing footage of the inauguration on X, Magyar wrote: “I serve, and I will serve as long as it benefits the nation. I will do so as long as I am able.”
The celebratory performance came from Zsolt Hegedüs, an orthopaedic surgeon who is expected to head Hungary’s health ministry. Videos of Hegedüs dancing on the Parliament steps went viral almost immediately, earning him the nickname “the dancing politician” across social platforms.
The clip prompted a flood of reactions online. Some users expressed delight and surprise—”I wish my government would be this cool,” one wrote—while others saw the moment as a hopeful sign: “Joy is a quality of the divine. Hungary looks to be in good hands now.” Other comments mixed praise with cautious optimism: “The way he dances, let’s hope his leadership will be so good… Congratulations,” and “Honestly, we needed that fresh blood in the parliament.” A more playful reply read, “Yoooooo….. He got some moves!!! Hope he got also correct political moves.”
The footage, widely shared on X and other platforms, made the lighthearted moment one of the most talked-about images of the inauguration, underscoring the unusual, celebratory tone surrounding Hungary’s political transition.
