Hungary’s prime minister-elect pledges cooperation with EU, focus on reforms

Hungary’s prime minister-elect Peter Magyar said Monday he will pursue a cooperative approach with the European Union while defending national interests, following his election victory.

“We will have discussions with the European Union, but we are not going there to fight,” Magyar told a news conference.

He said Hungary would remain committed to both the EU and NATO, describing them as key guarantees of peace.

Magyar also signaled a pragmatic foreign policy, calling Israel an important economic partner and describing bilateral ties as “clearly special.” He said Hungary would continue to maintain a pragmatic relationship with Israel.

He said relations with Germany would be strengthened, highlighting the importance of German investment, and added that Hungary would seek pragmatic ties with Russia while prioritizing energy security and diversification.

On economic policy, Magyar said the government would aim to ensure a “level playing field” for foreign investors while supporting domestic businesses.

He said Hungary would reinitiate accession to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and review classified documents.

“Hungary and the Hungarian people made history in a fateful election,” Magyar said, adding that his Tisza Party had received a strong mandate and describing the result as a turning point for the country.

Magyar outlined plans to restructure ministries with a more specialized Cabinet, including separate portfolios for health, education and the environment.

He said the government would seek public input on key decisions and expand consultative mechanisms.

Magyar said anti-corruption measures and financial oversight reforms would be among the government’s main priorities. He announced plans to establish an anti-corruption office to monitor the public sector and safeguard public funds.

He added that a National Asset Recovery and Protection Office would review major public contracts and state-linked wealth accumulation cases.

“It is in everyone’s interest that this office be established as soon as possible,” he said.