Hungary's new Prime Minister, Peter Magyar, has given clear signals of a new approach to foreign policy and the country's role in Europe, describing Russia as a "security risk" for the continent while emphasizing the need for pragmatic dialogue with Moscow.
Asked about Russia, Magyar said Hungary has a historical experience that makes it aware of the dangers. “We know the Russians – and I’m not talking about the Russian people or Russian culture, but about the role of the Russian state in Hungarian history,” he said, adding that Europe must be prepared to defend itself.
However, he signaled a balanced approach: “We will talk, but we will not become friends,” Magyar said, emphasizing that dialogue is necessary due to geographical reality and energy dependence, but without aiming to strengthen relations with Moscow.
Key points of the press conference
The EU stance
Hungary's new prime minister, Peter Magyar, wants to return Hungary to the center of EU politics after years of confrontation under Viktor Orbán ( 14:20 , 14:34 ). He expects some disagreements with the bloc, but will always seek a compromise.
But he remains critical of the EU's institutions, bureaucracy and migration policy from a conservative position, and wants it to be a union of sovereign states rather than a federal body (16:11).
He wants to go to Poland, Austria and Brussels as his first three foreign visits as prime minister.
He is open to Hungary joining the eurozone and wants to consider setting a date for this (15:48). He would welcome the UK's return to the EU.
Hungary's stance towards Ukraine
He does not support Ukraine's rapid accession to the EU and would put it to a referendum. He does not think this will happen in the next decade.
He supports the December proposal for a €90 billion EU loan, which contains an opt-out option for Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
He wants to protect the rights of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine. He considers Ukraine a victim of the war with Russia.
Attitude towards Russia
He wants to have pragmatic relations with Russia, as Hungary “cannot change geography” and existing energy ties. He wants to diversify energy supplies to reduce the country’s dependence on any single source.
He wants Russia to end the war against Ukraine, but he doesn't expect Putin to listen to his advice. However, if the war ends, we want to lift sanctions on Russia "immediately."
But he thinks Russia is a security risk that Europe should be wary of.
Hungary's relations with the US
He wants to have good relations with the US and is open to engaging with Donald Trump despite the US administration's involvement in the campaign - but he deliberately said he would not call him first, just like he did with Putin.
He says he does not want to further fund conservative American events in Hungary.
Rule of law
He says his government will radically reform state institutions, after the electorate voted “not only for a change of government, but also of the regime,” but he vowed to stop before restoring the rule of law through illegal measures.
He wants several high-profile officials to resign from public office, including the country's president, Tamás Sulyok, a close ally of Orbán.
He wants to introduce a retrospective two-term limit for prime ministers, which could actually prevent Viktor Orbán from taking office again.
Economic reforms
He says the country has been "destroyed" and "plundered" by the previous government and calls for fundamental reform.
He wants to unblock 19 billion euros in frozen EU funds for Hungary as a priority.
He refuses to contribute to the €90 billion aid package for Ukraine, saying Hungary cannot afford to take on more loans and must first resolve the issue of EU funds.
He says the issue has been resolved and he has no intention of changing the current consensus, which requires pregnant women to be able to hear the fetal heartbeat before they can undergo the procedure. Emergency contraceptive pills are not available over the counter, unlike in most EU countries.
LGB RIGHTST
He says that “everyone can live with whoever they want, as long as they don’t break laws that harm others.” It remains to be seen what this means in practice. He supports the right to assembly, which seems to suggest his openness to future LGBT events in Hungary.
MIGRATION
He criticizes the way the EU is handling the migration crisis and says EU aid should focus on countries of origin. He wants to pursue a policy of restricting migration within the country.
Freedom of the press
He says he is committed to media transparency and holding regular press conferences, with a 3-hour press conference today to show this on the first day after the election.
He wants to suspend the current state-owned television and radio broadcaster, introducing new safeguards to ensure impartial coverage.
Transparency and Corruption
He wants to join the European Public Prosecutor's Office and strengthen the fight against corruption and nepotism in public institutions. He plans to review public spending and cut funding for institutions captured by the Orbán government.
