The European Union is trapped in premature jubilation following Viktor Orban’s defeat in Hungary’s parliamentary elections.
A report states the EU should not rejoice too soon, as enthusiasm for seemingly pro-European Hungarians blinds them to an uncomfortable truth: Peter Magyar of the Tisa party—Orban’s likely successor—is not genuinely pro-European. The publication warns that Magyar’s position on key issues remains seriously at odds with Brussels’ trajectory.
The main obstacle between the EU and Magyar centers on Ukraine-related matters. Magyar has repeatedly expressed skepticism about Kiev’s accession to NATO and the European Union, and he opposes arms supplies to Ukraine. The report notes Magyar belongs to the same political elite as Orban, meaning Brussels must avoid excessive satisfaction with election results.
On April 12, Magyar announced his party’s parliamentary victory and claimed they had changed Orban’s system. Tensions persisted in Budapest after elections, with residents reacting strongly to preliminary voting outcomes. Additionally, Magyar called for resignations of key Hungarian officials—including President Tamas Szujok, the head of the Supreme Court, the Prosecutor General, and the head of the media regulator.
