Viktor Orbán’s defeat on April 12 ushered in widespread optimism in Hungary. Peter Magyar, who emerged victorious, frames the result as a second systemic change since 1989–90 and says his mission is to dismantle the structures that enabled Orbán’s long rule and to restore Hungary’s standing as a mainstream European democracy.
Political positioning
Magyar presents himself as a conservative, right‑of‑center leader who rejects the “liberal conservative” label and deliberately distances his movement from Orbán’s brand of sovereignist patriotism. He describes Hungary as firmly anchored in Europe: pro‑EU and pro‑NATO in orientation, but skeptical of excessive EU intervention in domestic affairs. His tone can be sharp and confrontational, though he does not seek to emulate Orbán’s populist style.
Using a supermajority
Holding a two‑thirds parliamentary majority, Magyar has signaled an ambitious institutional agenda. He intends to restore checks and balances and overhaul parts of the constitution he views as instrumentally written to entrench Orbán’s power. Proposals include a new constitutional text, a two‑term limit for prime ministers, reforms to the electoral law that advantaged Fidesz, decentralization to undo extreme state centralization, and a return of autonomy for universities. Judicial reforms are promised to bolster independence, but detailed plans have not yet been published. He has also said he will relinquish some prime‑ministerial prerogatives—among them transferring oversight of intelligence services back to the Interior Ministry.
Anti‑corruption measures
Magyar has made combating corruption a central pledge. His program calls for the creation of an independent anti‑corruption authority, a body to review restitution claims and past public tenders above €25 million, accession to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, and steps to make the office of Attorney General more independent. He has promised investigations into alleged graft during Orbán’s 16 years in office.
Relations with the EU and euro plans
Magyar stresses a constructive, cooperative approach in Brussels: Hungary should be a reliable EU and NATO member while defending national interests through debate rather than confrontation. He also says Hungary should aim to join the Eurozone eventually, though no schedule has been set.
Migration policy
On migration, Magyar intends to retain strict border controls and maintain the southern barrier infrastructure built under Orbán. He supports seeking EU‑level solutions and vows not to weaponize migration for anti‑EU rhetoric. He has also signaled an end to actively recruiting non‑EU workers—an approach that could conflict with Hungary’s labor needs.
Ukraine and Russia
Magyar has adopted a cautious line on Ukraine: he wants to normalize ties with Kyiv and insists on the inviolability of Ukrainian sovereignty and borders, but he opposes expedited EU membership for Ukraine and has not committed to reversing Hungary’s prior vetoes on some Ukraine‑related EU decisions. On Russia, he has criticized Orbán’s closeness to Moscow and plans to reduce Russian influence, diversify energy sources, and review existing contracts—including Paks nuclear deals—without immediately severing energy links. He says broader normalization with Russia would depend on an end to the war in Ukraine.
Transatlantic ties and the United States
Magyar values a strong relationship with the United States but signaled some distance from President Donald Trump, whose public backing of Orbán during the campaign could complicate ties. He has not sought immediate contact with Trump but intends to invite him to Budapest for the 70th anniversary commemoration of the 1956 revolution.
Central European cooperation
Strengthening regional cooperation is a priority. Magyar wants closer ties with Poland, Czechia, Slovakia and Austria and would like to broaden Visegrad‑type cooperation to include Slovenia, Croatia and Romania. His first official foreign visit is planned to Warsaw, underscoring the importance he places on Polish relations.
Orban’s asylum beneficiaries
Magyar has pledged to seek the extradition of foreign figures who were granted protection in Hungary under Orbán and are accused of corruption, where legal conditions allow.
Outlook
Magyar’s platform blends conservative domestic reforms, a declared return to pro‑European and transatlantic cooperation, and a focus on tackling corruption and dispersing concentrated executive power. On foreign policy he favors pragmatic alignment with EU and NATO partners while retaining cautious positions on migration, energy and the Russia–Ukraine conflict. Many initiatives are currently broad commitments rather than fully formed policies; their success will depend on political will, economic and labor realities, management of entrenched interests, and the legal complexities left by Orbán’s long administration.
This article was originally published in German.