Hungarian prime minister-elect Péter Magyar on Monday called on parliament to convene without delay following his election victory, targeting 5 May as the date for a formal transfer of power, according to reporting by Euronews.
Speaking at a press conference, Magyar outlined the core policy areas his incoming government intends to address, spanning Hungary's relationship with the European Union, the war in Ukraine, ties with Russia, and immigration policy.
EU funds and the eurozone
Magyar signaled that restoring Hungary's access to frozen EU funds would be an early priority for his administration. Hungary has been at odds with Brussels for years over rule-of-law concerns, leading to the suspension of billions of euros in cohesion and recovery funds. The new government is also expected to revisit Hungary's position on eurozone membership, a topic largely sidelined under Viktor Orbán.
Ukraine and Russia policy
Magyar indicated his government would take a markedly different approach to the conflict in Ukraine compared to his predecessor. Orbán maintained close relations with Moscow and resisted EU and NATO pressure to take a firmer stance against Russia. Magyar is expected to bring Hungarian foreign policy more in line with the broader European consensus, though specific commitments were not detailed at the press conference.
Migration
On immigration, Magyar acknowledged the issue remains politically sensitive in Hungary. While he did not signal a wholesale reversal of Orbán-era border policies, he suggested his government would seek a more cooperative approach with EU partners on migration management, moving away from the confrontational posture that defined relations with Brussels in recent years.
Transition timeline
The push for a 5 May handover reflects Magyar's stated intent to move quickly after an election result that ended more than 15 years of continuous rule by Orbán and his Fidesz party. A rapid parliamentary session would allow the new government to begin the legislative and diplomatic groundwork needed to advance its agenda.
The press conference offered the clearest picture yet of Magyar's governing priorities, though many policy specifics are expected to emerge only after a cabinet is formally constituted and the new government presents its full program to parliament.
