Hungary's Incoming Prime Minister Holds Press Conference
Following his party Tisza's election victory, Hungary's Prime Minister-elect Péter Magyar addressed the media at the Hungexpo congress center. He announced plans to amend the constitution, introduce term limits for the premiership, and form a new government. Magyar emphasized the critical need to recover frozen European Union funds and to reshape Hungary's foreign policy direction.
Magyar's Proposed Reforms and New Cabinet
Magyar stated he would initiate a constitutional amendment to limit any individual to serving as Prime Minister for a maximum of two four-year terms, or eight years in total. He has requested that President Tamás Sulyok convene the inaugural session of the new parliament, which must occur within 30 days of the election, proposing May 5th for this meeting.
“There is no time to waste. Hungary is in trouble—it has been robbed, indebted, and destroyed.” - Péter Magyar
During the conference, Magyar received a note indicating that outgoing Minister of Foreign Affairs Péter Szijjártó had arrived at the Ministry at 10 a.m., accompanied by Djamati Eszter, an appearance that sparked media discussion. Magyar previewed a new government structure featuring dedicated ministries, including:
- Health
- Education
- Rural Development
- Environmental Protection
- A separate Finance Minister
The first known names for the future cabinet are Károly András and Hegedűs Zsolt.
Furthermore, Magyar announced a necessary review of the current budget, stressing that the top priority is the return of approximately 20 billion euros in EU funds to Hungary, which he deemed essential for economic growth.
“The main task is to bring back to Hungary around 20 billion euros.” - Péter Magyar
Magyar also underscored Tisza's intention for Hungary to join the European Public Prosecutor's Office. Current projections give Tisza 138 parliamentary seats, with the party expecting 141-142 mandates once votes from diplomatic missions are tallied.
Magyar concluded by saying Hungarians had reaffirmed their commitment to the European Union, noting: “Hungarians have decided that Hungary's place was, is, and will be in Europe.” He also claimed the country had been governed for a long time by an organized criminal group intertwined with media and economic elites.
This press conference marked the new Prime Minister's first public address following elections held amid significant economic hardship and political transition in Hungary. These developments come after years of tension between Budapest and EU institutions over rule-of-law concerns. The proposed changes could substantially impact the country's domestic governance and its relationship with the European Union. The success of the EU fund recovery effort and the formation of the new government will be critical themes in the coming months, influencing Hungary's economic stability and political trajectory.
As Péter Magyar prepares to implement his reform agenda, the implications for Hungary's foreign relations are becoming increasingly clear. A shift in policy towards Ukraine and NATO could redefine Hungary's position within the European landscape. To explore how this new leadership might influence Hungary's international stance, read more about the potential changes in our detailed analysis on post-Orban Hungary.