Hungary's prime minister-in-waiting, Peter Magyar, has pledged to restore relations with the European Union and implement sweeping domestic reforms following a landslide election victory that unseated Viktor Orban's Fidesz party after 16 years of what he termed "illiberal" rule. Magyar stated he would combat corruption and amend the constitution to limit future prime ministers to two terms, a move aimed at preventing Orban's potential return to power after years of constitutional changes that allegedly tilted the electoral system in his favor.

The departure of Orban, who spent years reshaping Hungary's democratic institutions to retain control, obstructing the EU, and pulling the country closer to Russia, has been welcomed across Europe. However, focus has now shifted to Magyar and his plans for the Central European nation of nine million. At a news conference, Magyar outlined anti-corruption reforms, including new offices to investigate suspected graft and oversee government spending, addressing widespread accusations of corruption under Orban's regime. He declared, "We will do everything to restore the rule of law, plural democracy, and the system of checks and balances."

Magyar emphasized that the constitutional amendment would bar Orban from returning as prime minister, criticizing Orban for abusing his opportunity to advance national interests. He said, "He had a great opportunity to do huge things in the national interest to ensure that Hungary became a developing European country… He did not use this chance, but abused it." Orban's foreign policy, which secured cheap Russian energy by tilting towards Moscow, had isolated Hungary within the EU, a situation Magyar claims he will seek to reverse, though his specific approach towards Brussels and Ukraine remains unclear.

Magyar insisted that Hungary will remain committed to both the EU and NATO, describing them as key guarantees of peace. He reiterated plans to end Hungary's reliance on Russian oil and gas by 2035 and pledged a cooperative stance with the EU while defending national interests. The new government hopes to unlock around 18 billion euros in EU funds, and Tisza's victory is expected to unblock a 90-billion-euro loan to Ukraine that Orban blocked last month. However, Magyar's stance on Kyiv is ambiguous, as he acknowledged Ukraine as a victim in the war and promised to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to "end the killing," yet he opposes fast-tracking Ukraine's EU membership, stating it is "completely out of the question" to admit a country at war.

Magyar also addressed relations with the United States and the administration of US President Donald Trump, who had supported Orban during the campaign. US Vice President JD Vance visited Budapest days before the vote in an alleged attempt to boost Orban, though this is suspected to have backfired due to voter dissatisfaction with such links. Regardless, Magyar stressed that the US "is a very important partner" and that he would strive for "good relations" with Trump. Additionally, Magyar called on Hungary's President Tamas Sulyok, backed by Orban's Fidesz party, to ensure a swift transfer of power and reiterated demands for Sulyok's resignation, highlighting ongoing political tensions as the new parliament convenes within 30 days to elect a prime minister.

Source: www.aljazeera.com