Hungarian Prime Minister Magyar: Hungary's place is in the European Union and NATO

Peter Magyar, leader of the Tisza party and winner of the parliamentary elections held in Hungary yesterday, held a press conference in the capital, Budapest. Elected Prime Minister Magyar, a pro-European who secured a two-thirds majority in parliament with a record vote share, said the first steps of the next Hungarian government would be anti-corruption measures and Hungary's accession to the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), which investigates cross-border and complex financial crimes. Magyar, who ended incumbent Prime Minister Viktor Orban's 16-year rule with his election victory, also stated that they would work on constitutional amendments, according to which a politician could serve as prime minister for a maximum of two terms. Emphasizing that one of his most important tasks is the unfreezing of approximately 20 billion euros in European Union (EU) funds, Magyar stated that he is already in talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on this matter.

Calling on Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok to task him with forming the government as soon as the final election results are announced, Magyar said that Hungary must get rid of the administration of "Europe's most corrupt government" as soon as possible.

"Hungary will not interfere in the internal affairs of Balkan countries"

Signaling a change in Hungarian foreign policy and stating that relations between Hungary and Russia will change in the "right direction," Magyar said, "Hungary will not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries as it has done until now. It will not interfere in the internal affairs of Balkan countries either."

"No one in Hungary wants war"

Stating that incumbent Prime Minister Orban scared citizens by claiming that their children would go to war in Ukraine if another government came to power in order to stay in office, Magyar said, "I want to send a message from here to the people of Hungary and the whole world. No one in Hungary wants war. Hungary is pro-peace, and this government will be a peace government."

"Hungary's place is in the EU and NATO"

Expressing that he is proud of Hungary's European identity, Magyar said, "The Hungarian people made a clear decision yesterday. Hungarians are proud to belong to strong alliances. Hungary's place is in the European Union and NATO."

Promising changes in Hungary's relations with the EU, Magyar announced that Hungary is ready to contribute to compromise-based solutions to overcome deadlocks within the EU. Magyar stated, "Of course there will be negotiations, I would like to say this. Because every state is there representing its own interests, representing its own companies and its own citizens. But we are not going there to fight. We are not going there to do what those who write 'Brussels is bad and must be stopped' on billboards do."

Called on President Sulyok to resign

Describing President Tamas Sulyok as a puppet president of the Orban government, Magyar said, "Tamas Sulyok and other puppets were part of this regime. The Hungarian people voted for a regime change. They did not put them there because of their qualifications or human qualities. They did not put him there to fulfill the duty of the presidency and ensure the unity of the nation. They put him there only to sign what is put in front of him. I hope he hears me. Let him leave his office. The Hungarian people have decided this."

Asked about the possibility of abandoning Russian oil

When asked at the press conference about the possibility of Hungary abandoning Russian oil, Magyar said, "The Tisza government will do everything in its power to ensure diversity in the supply of energy resources. We cannot change our geography. Russia will remain here and Hungary will remain here. But we will do everything for diversification. But this does not mean we will completely break away. We will always procure oil in the cheapest and safest way."

Stated that he does not support Ukraine's "accelerated accession" to the EU

In response to a question about Ukraine, Magyar said, "We have been saying from the very beginning that we do not support Ukraine's accelerated EU membership. First of all, we are talking about a country at war. It is absurd to admit a country at war into the EU. It is also not possible to conduct real negotiations."

Magyar stated, "Even if Ukraine completes the negotiations, a referendum will be held on this in Hungary. The question of whether Ukraine should be admitted to the EU will be asked. But I don't think this will happen in the near future. It will not happen in the next 10 years."

Signaled a change in Hungary's Israel policy

Magyar announced that there would also be a change in the policy of Prime Minister Orban, who welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—for whom the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an international arrest warrant due to crimes against humanity committed in Gaza—with a red carpet in Budapest and initiated the procedure for Hungary to withdraw from the ICC. Magyar announced that the current process can no longer be stopped, but that they will ensure Hungary's re-accession to the ICC.

Stating that Israel is an important partner for Hungary and that they will continue to work with Israel, Magyar said, "However, I cannot guarantee that Hungary will continue to block European Union decisions regarding Israel."

"Russia is a security risk"

When asked if Russia is a security risk, Magyar said, "In my opinion, yes. Everyone knows this." Stating that they know Russia from their history, the Hungarian leader said, "I think Europe needs to be prepared for this and be able to defend itself."