After their selfless decision not to run in Hungary's recent parliamentary elections in an effort to help end Viktor Orbán's rule, it is now time for ALDE Party member Momentum Mozgalom to take a new direction.
Their unusual choice to withdraw from elections stemmed from the belief that a united democratic opposition offered the strongest change to rid Hungary of autocratic rule after more than a decade of Orbán.
But with the election behind it, the party has turned its attention to the future.
Momentum members have elected Szilas Kincső as the party's new president, succeeding Zugló Mayor András Rózsa and opening a new chapter for Hungary's liberal movement.
A local councillor in Kispest and leader of Momentum's Women's Interest Group, Szilas has built her political profile around local representation, gender equality and grassroots engagement. In her first remarks as party president, she argued that Hungary still needs a constructive liberal opposition capable of holding any government to account.
"We cannot accept that Fidesz and Mi Hazánk become the only opposition voices. Hungary needs a democratic alternative that is willing to challenge the government while offering credible solutions."
Reflecting on Momentum's decision to stand aside before the election, she described it as a necessary choice made in the national interest. But, she argued, that period has now ended.
"Just as it was necessary for Momentum to take a step back for the sake of the country, now is the time to step forward."
Writing after her election, Szilas said her ambition was not simply to preserve the party, but to lead it into its strongest period yet by reconnecting with communities and rebuilding liberal politics across Hungary.
“As the leader of a new political generation, I have zero ties to the past failures of the old opposition. My focus is entirely on bringing a clean slate, fresh energy and new solutions for Momentum and for Hungary’s post-Orbán era,” Kincső concluded.
For Momentum, the next challenge is different from the last. After stepping back to help reshape Hungary's political landscape, the party is now looking to rebuild itself.
The election of a new leader marks more than a change at the top. For Hungary's liberals, it is the beginning of a new momentum.