Péter Magyar, the newly elected leader of Hungary, is aiming to forge a special relationship with Poland’s Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, as he seeks to draw on Poland’s experience in mending ties with the European Union after a period of illiberal governance. Both Hungary and Poland have shared similar political trajectories since 1989, and now the two center-right, pro-European leaders are tasked with the challenge of restoring rule of law and enhancing state institutions following years of democratic regression and EU disagreements.
On the night of Magyar’s election victory, Tusk, calling from Korea, expressed his joy and support. “I’m so happy. I think I am even happier than you, you know?” Tusk remarked. He later told reporters, “First Warsaw, then Bucharest, Chișinău, and now Budapest. This part of Europe is showing that we are not condemned to corrupt and authoritarian rule.” Magyar, in return, announced plans for a “special relationship” with Poland, choosing Warsaw as the destination for his first official trip abroad. He also pledged to address the presence of two former Polish ministers in Budapest, who are evading prosecution for alleged abuses of power.
The new Hungarian parliament is expected to be inaugurated on May 9, coinciding with the EU’s “Europe Day,” marking a potential fresh start for Hungary within European politics. Magyar’s upcoming replacement of Viktor Orbán at the European Council will position Tusk as the most seasoned leader at the table, potentially aiding Magyar in negotiations with the EU. Informal talks between EU officials and Magyar’s incoming administration have already commenced, with Brussels eager for Hungary to lift its block on a €90 billion loan to Ukraine and support new sanctions against Russia.
Polish and Hungarian officials are in discussions about how Poland’s strategies to reverse illiberal rule might be applicable to Hungary. The Civic Coalition, led by Tusk, successfully ousted Poland’s rightwing populist PiS in 2023, unlocking billions in frozen EU funds. However, Hungary faces a tight deadline to meet its “super milestones” by the end of August to access the first tranche of €10.4 billion in EU funds, with approximately €2.12 billion already forfeited. Despite Magyar’s parliamentary majority, swift and substantial reforms are necessary to meet EU conditions.
Magyar’s comprehensive victory grants him a constitutional two-thirds majority, potentially easing the reform process compared to Poland, where opposition veto power posed challenges. However, Magyar has urged Tamás Sulyok, a close ally of Orbán, to resign to signify a break from the prior regime. Magyar’s commitment to joining the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and investigating corruption during Orbán’s 16-year tenure is seen as pivotal. Adam Bodnar, Poland’s former justice minister, noted that such discussions often begin before a new government takes office, highlighting the urgency and complexity of implementing reforms while dealing with remnants of Orbán’s administration.