Péter Magyar, Hungary’s newly elected leader, is focusing on establishing a strong partnership with Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk. This alliance aims to leverage Poland’s recent experience in mending ties with the European Union after years of strained relations due to illiberal governance. Both countries, which have shared similar historical trajectories since 1989, are now under the leadership of center-right, pro-European figures tasked with the challenge of restoring democratic norms and strengthening state institutions following years of legal and political conflict with the EU.
On election night, Tusk, who was in Korea, expressed his delight in a call to Magyar, stating, “I’m so happy. I think I am even happier than you, you know?” The following day, Tusk remarked on the broader political shift in Eastern Europe, saying, “First Warsaw, then Bucharest, Chișinău, and now Budapest. This part of Europe is showing that we are not condemned to corrupt and authoritarian rule.” Magyar echoed these sentiments, speaking at a press conference adorned with Hungarian and EU flags, and announced plans for a “special relationship” with Poland, choosing Warsaw for his inaugural foreign visit.
A pressing issue for Magyar’s administration is addressing the presence of two former Polish ministers in Budapest, who are evading prosecution for alleged abuses of power linked to Poland’s previous government under the Law and Justice (PiS) party. Magyar signaled a firm stance, indicating that these individuals should not settle in, as their time in Hungary would be short-lived. Meanwhile, the new Hungarian Parliament is expected to be inaugurated on May 9, coinciding with the EU’s “Europe Day,” as Magyar prepares to assume Victor Orbán’s seat at the European Council.
EU officials have initiated informal discussions with Magyar’s incoming administration, focusing on Hungary’s potential political realignment. The EU is keen for Hungary to lift its block on a €90 billion loan to Ukraine and to support new sanctions against Russia. Additionally, Hungary must adhere to conditions aimed at reforming its institutions, judiciary, and policies on corruption and asylum laws. Behind closed doors, Polish and Hungarian officials are strategizing on implementing reforms, drawing from Poland’s recent successes in unlocking EU funds frozen during PiS’s tenure.
Despite Magyar’s overwhelming electoral victory, which grants him a two-thirds parliamentary majority, the path to reform is not without challenges. He has already called for the resignation of Tamás Sulyok, an ally of Orbán, as a symbolic move to distance his administration from the past regime. Furthermore, Magyar’s commitment to aligning with the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and investigating Orbán-era corruption is seen as crucial. As Poland’s former justice minister Adam Bodnar noted, even with the ability to enact comprehensive reforms, the legacy of past governance might linger, influencing the mindset of existing state officials and judiciary members.