In Hungary, the euphoria after Viktor Orbán's electoral defeat is huge. Since the end of the communist dictatorship in 1989/90, the country is facing its second major political change. Election winner Peter Magyar says that now it is a matter of "dismantling the Orbán system" and turning Hungary back into a "normal, respectable country" in Europe. But how does he intend to achieve this - especially considering that on some issues he does not take much different positions than "Fidesz" Orban?
Where does Magyar stand in the political space?
Magyar denies being liberal-conservative - he defines himself as right-wing conservative, but does not consider himself a "patriot" in the sense that Orban uses. Magyar is pro-European and speaks out against both the excessive influence of the EU on national politics and Orban's "sovereignism". His speaking style is often very polemical, but Magyar remains far from Orban's populism.
How does Magyar intend to use his two-thirds majority?
Magyar promises to restore control over power and check and balance mechanisms and turn Hungary back into a democratic state of law. The winner of the election wants to adopt a new constitution - the current one is partly a conglomerate of propaganda articles and provisions to ensure the power of Orbán's system. The new constitution should include mechanisms to limit power, such as limiting the prime minister to two terms.
Magyar wants to reform the electoral law that favors Orbán's party, end the current highly centralized state, and restore the autonomy of universities. While he has no specific plan for judicial reform, Magyar has promised that the judiciary will become more independent. He also plans to give up some of the prime minister's powers, such as control over the intelligence services. According to his plans, this control should return to the Ministry of the Interior.
How does Magyar intend to fight rampant corruption?
Magyar's government will create an anti-corruption agency and an asset recovery agency. The latter will investigate all public tenders worth more than 25 million euros. Hungary will also join the European Public Prosecutor's Office. The Prosecutor General's Office should work more independently. Overall, Magyar promises tough measures against corruption and an investigation into corruption cases from the last 16 years of Orbán's rule.
What will Hungary's relations with the EU be like?
Magyar sees Hungary as inextricably linked to Europe and promises that the country will once again be a reliable partner in the EU and NATO. However, he adds that "there will be debates about national interests". But Hungary "will not fight" in Brussels, but will be a "constructive partner".
Magyar also plans for Hungary to join the eurozone. There is no specific date yet.
What is Magyar's position on the issue of migration?
The new government of "Tisza" intends to continue Orbán's strict anti-migration policy and maintain the protective facilities on Hungary's southern border. Magyar, however, advocates a pan-European solution and promises not to abuse the topic for propaganda against the EU or for domestic political purposes. So far, he has not made any concrete proposals regarding EU migration policy.
Magyar also promises to stop recruiting workers from non-EU countries, which, however, could become a problem due to the shortage of workers in the country.
What is Magyar's position on Ukraine?
Against the backdrop of Orbán's extreme anti-Ukrainian propaganda and accusations that "Tisza" was a Ukrainian project, Magyar is taking a cautious stance on Ukraine. He advocates normalizing relations with the neighboring country, but does not support the accelerated integration of Ukraine into the EU.
Like Orban, Magyar rejects Hungary's participation in the 90 billion euro credit package for Ukraine, but condemns Orban's veto against the release of the funds. So far, however, he has not declared his readiness to lift Orban's veto.
Magyar is against any peaceful solutions for Ukraine without Kiev's consent. Ukraine's sovereignty and borders, as defined by international law, are inviolable. He also advocates for clearly stating who is the aggressor and who is the victim in this war.
What are Magyar's relations with Russia?
Magyar called Orban's government a "puppet of the Kremlin". And during the election campaign, the voters of "Tisza" they kept repeating the slogan "Russians out!".
Magyar intends to take tough measures against Russian influence in Hungary. According to him, in the future, Hungary will significantly diversify its energy sources, but will not completely abandon Russian energy supplies.
Magyar intends to examine the agreements with Russia, including the unpublished agreement on the expansion of the Paks nuclear power plant - and if necessary, change them. Magyar said that if Putin decides to seek him out, he will urge him to end the war in Ukraine. At the same time, he believes that after the war is over, Europe could normalize its relations with Moscow again.
How are Magyar's relations with Trump's US?
Magyar sees the US as an important partner. But due to Donald Trump's clear support for Orbán during the Hungarian election campaign, Magyar's relations with the US president are likely to remain cool. Magyar says that he sees no reason to call Trump for now. However, he invited him to participate in the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the 1956 revolution in Budapest in October.
What will happen to Orbán's "VIP refugees"?
Under Orbán's rule, several politicians from Central and Southeast Europe were granted asylum in Hungary, including former Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and former Polish Justice Minister Zbigniew Żobro. If they have not yet left the country, Hungary will now extradite them, Magyar announced.
Author: Keno Verzek