Hungary’s Magyar outlines policy in first news conference

Peter Magyar, Hungary’s prospective prime minister, has pledged to realign the nation closer to the European Union and reduce its reliance on Russia. Despite his commitment to distancing Hungary from Moscow, he is anticipated to uphold the strict immigration policies established by his predecessor, Viktor Orban. This shift follows Magyar’s victory in the recent election, which saw his Tisza party secure 138 parliamentary seats out of 199, capturing 53% of the vote. Fidesz, Orban’s party, received 55 seats with only 38% of the vote.

EU and Russia: A Strategic Rebalance

Magyar’s campaign focused on positioning Hungary as a bridge between the EU and Russia, a strategy that played a key role in his election win. He emphasized that the country would no longer be seen as a Russian ally within the bloc, especially as Budapest grapples with economic challenges and seeks substantial EU financial support. During his inaugural news briefing, Magyar stated,

“If Vladimir Putin calls, I’ll pick up the phone. It would probably be a short phone conversation and I don’t think he would end the war on my advice.”

He also noted,

“Russia remains a security risk.”

Political Analysts’ Take

Peter Kreko, a Hungarian political scientist, remarked to DW that Magyar’s leadership would prevent Hungary from becoming “the Trojan horse of Russia in the European Union nor NATO anymore.” Kreko added that Magyar’s policies signal a departure from Orban’s approach, which had drawn criticism for its close ties with Moscow. While Magyar has not ruled out engaging with U.S. President Donald Trump, he expressed no intention to call him, despite Trump’s previous support for Orban, including sending Vice President JD Vance to campaign for him.

Corruption and Constitutional Reforms

Magyar outlined plans to address corruption and proposed a constitutional amendment to prevent Orban from regaining power. His government aims to restore democratic norms by ensuring the rule of law, pluralistic democracy, and balanced checks within the political system. Both Tisza and Fidesz are regarded as conservative, populist parties, though Fidesz has increasingly leaned rightward, framing Orban as a protector against foreign influences.

Ukraine’s EU Membership Ambitions

Magyar supports Ukraine’s bid for EU membership but is cautious about a “fast-track” process. He argued,

“For one thing, we are talking about a country at war; it is completely out of the question for the European Union to admit a country at war.”

He also stressed that all member states should be treated equally and would require stronger assurances regarding the rights of ethnic Hungarians in Ukraine to fully endorse their application.

As parliament reconvenes, it is expected that Tisza’s two-thirds majority will swiftly elect Magyar as prime minister. His policies reflect a blend of continuity and change, aiming to reshape Hungary’s role on the global stage while maintaining its traditional values.