Hungary's newly elected Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced that he has already spoken with ten European leaders on his first day after the final victory of his Tisza party. This follows historic elections that ended Viktor Orbán's 16-year continuous rule. Magyar noted that in last week's election, his party secured two-thirds of the seats in parliament, enabling constitutional changes.

At a press conference for journalists, Magyar stated he would not call Russian President Vladimir Putin, but would answer if Putin called. He said: "If Vladimir Putin calls, I'll pick up the phone. I don't think it'll happen, but if we did talk, I'd tell him: after four years, put an end to the killing and end this war." Moscow has said it respects Magyar's victory and expects to retain "pragmatic" relations with Budapest.

Orbán has been a key ally of US President Donald Trump, who backed him to win Sunday's election. Magyar said he would also not call Trump, but if Trump called, he would say they are "strong allies in NATO" and invite him to the 70th anniversary of the Hungarian uprising against Soviet occupation next October. He emphasized that Hungary belongs in the European Union and that joining the eurozone is in the country's interests.

During the press conference, Magyar was handed a note alleging that outgoing Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó was shredding confidential documents related to sanctions with Russia in the ministry building that day. The ministry did not comment. The Orbán government's ties to Russia have come under increasing scrutiny after Szijjártó admitted sharing information with Russian officials before and after EU meetings on sanctions.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated "Hungary has chosen Europe," and she was one of the leaders Magyar had already spoken to. The 45-year-old Tisza leader struck a different tone from defeated Prime Minister Orbán, who long blamed the EU and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the continuing war in Ukraine. Magyar said every Hungarian knows Ukraine is the victim of the war with Russia.

Source: www.bbc.com