Hungary's New Leadership Signals Reversal of Orbán-Era Policies

Péter Magyar, leader of the Tisza Party, who secured an overwhelming victory in the Hungarian general election, has declared his intention to overturn the policy direction of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán across foreign and domestic affairs.

Magyar indicated a departure from Orbán's close diplomacy by stating he would not directly contact U.S. President Donald Trump. However, he emphasized the importance of maintaining good relations with the U.S. as a key partner and revealed that U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance had pledged cooperation with Hungary's next government, signaling a pursuit of pragmatic interests.

Relations with Russia are also set to be pragmatically redefined. While Magyar stated he would not directly communicate with Russian President Vladimir Putin, he made it clear that he intends to seek a practical relationship with Russia. This contrasts with Orbán's past approach, which drew criticism for being a "humiliating diplomacy," as he once likened Russia to a "lion" and Hungary to a "mouse."

Adhering to a principled stance on the war in Ukraine, Magyar announced an end to Hungary's obstruction of EU aid to Ukraine. He asserted that no one has the right to demand territorial concessions and that if he were to speak with President Putin, he would tell him to end the bloodshed in Ukraine. Although Hungary will no longer block the EU's decision to provide a €90 billion loan to Ukraine, it will opt out of the loan itself, thus not participating in its funding.

Domestically, the focus is expected to be on restoring relations with the EU and implementing anti-corruption reforms. To normalize the frozen €20 billion (approximately 34 trillion won) in EU funds, which were halted due to rule-of-law issues, discussions are planned with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Magyar also indicated his intention to pursue the adoption of the Euro, stating that joining the Eurozone would be beneficial for Hungary's national interests.

Institutional measures are also being pursued to prevent long-term rule. Magyar plans to push for constitutional amendments to limit the prime ministerial term to two terms and establish a new oversight body for the entire government to eradicate corruption. The broadcasting of state television news, criticized as a propaganda tool of the Orbán government, will be temporarily suspended. Péter Magyar is scheduled to make his first foreign visit early next month to Warsaw, Poland, and plans to arrange a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.