Hungary is facing its second systemic shift since 1989/90 after Viktor Orbán's defeat in the April election, with winner Péter Magyar pledging to 'tear down the Orbán system' and restore the country as a 'normal, respected' European nation. Magyar describes himself as conservative and right-wing, distancing from Orbán's 'patriot' label while opposing 'sovereignism' and maintaining a pro-European outlook, albeit with a polemical style that differs from Orbán's populism.
Domestically, Magyar promises to reinstate checks and balances, enact a new constitution to limit power—such as imposing a two-term limit for prime ministers—reform electoral laws tailored to Fidesz, decentralize the state, and restore university autonomy. He plans anti-corruption measures, including investigating cases from Orbán's 16-year rule, joining the European Public Prosecutor's Office, and relinquishing prime ministerial control over intelligence services to the Interior Ministry.
In foreign policy, Magyar asserts Hungary will be a reliable partner for the EU and NATO, though he anticipates 'debates about national interests' and aims for constructive engagement in Brussels. He plans Eurozone accession, continues Orbán's strict anti-migration policy but without anti-EU propaganda, and seeks normalized relations with Ukraine while opposing fast-track EU integration. Magyar condemns Russian influence, labeling Orbán's government a 'Kremlin puppet,' and intends to diversify energy supplies without fully cutting off Russian sources, reviewing contracts like the Paks nuclear plant extension.
Magyar views the US as an important partner but expects chilly relations initially due to Donald Trump's support for Orbán, though he plans to invite Trump to anniversary celebrations. He emphasizes cooperation with Central European states like Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, and Austria, aiming to expand the Visegrád Group, and will extradite politicians granted asylum under Orbán, such as Nikola Gruevski and Zbigniew Ziobro, if they do not leave voluntarily.
Source: www.dw.com