After his landslide victory, what will Peter Magyar do next?

Lead

Hungary’s prime minister-elect, Peter Magyar, has laid out an ambitious agenda to dismantle the political and economic system built by his predecessor, Viktor Orban, following Orban’s defeat in the April 12 election. In a series of statements and press conferences, Magyar has promised to restore democratic checks and balances, reform the electoral law, and create a level playing field for foreign investors—signaling a potential shift in Hungary’s international partnerships.

Coverage Comparison

Coverage of Magyar’s post-election plans has been extensive, with outlets focusing on different aspects of his agenda. Deutsche Welle’s reporting emphasizes the domestic democratic reforms, describing the election result as met with “great euphoria” in Hungary. The outlet highlights Magyar’s promise to “tear down the Orban system” and make Hungary a “normal, respected country” in Europe again, with a focus on restoring the rule of law, reversing centralization, and reorienting Hungary toward the European Union and NATO.

Meanwhile, the South China Morning Post has centered its reporting on the potential implications for foreign businesses, particularly Chinese firms that had become major investors in Hungary under Orban. The paper notes Magyar’s pledge to review “opaque” deals and contracts signed during Orban’s 16-year rule, signaling that international partnerships—including those with China—could face greater scrutiny. This coverage provides a distinct perspective, examining how Magyar’s victory might reshape Hungary’s economic relationships.

Key Claims

• Electoral mandate and euphoria: Multiple reports confirm that Orban’s defeat on April 12 was met with widespread celebration across Hungary, and that Magyar won a two-thirds parliamentary majority, giving him a strong mandate for reform.

• Constitutional overhaul: According to reports from Deutsche Welle, Magyar intends to oversee the drafting of a new constitution to replace the current one—which critics describe as containing provisions tailored to secure Fidesz’s power. The new constitution is expected to include mechanisms to limit prime ministerial terms to two and restore checks and balances.

• Electoral and institutional reforms: Magyar has promised to reform the electoral law, which was previously designed to favor Orban’s Fidesz party, and to reverse the extreme centralization of the state. He also plans to restore the autonomy of universities.

• Anti-corruption measures: As reported by Deutsche Welle, Magyar intends to establish an anti-corruption authority and a property restitution authority to address widespread corruption during the Orban era.

• Foreign policy orientation: Magyar has stated that Hungary is unequivocally anchored in Europe and aims to be a reliable partner for both the EU and NATO. He has also indicated plans to adopt a tough stance on Russian influence, describing Orban’s government as a “puppet of the Kremlin.”

• Economic policy for foreign investors: In his press conference, Magyar pledged to provide a level playing field to all foreign companies, rather than the current system that favors South Korean and Chinese firms. He vowed to review opaque deals and contracts signed under Orban’s rule, which could affect Chinese investments in Hungary.

• Continuity on migration and Ukraine: According to the sources, Magyar will continue Orban’s strict anti-migration policy, maintaining border fortifications in the south. On Ukraine, his stance is more cautious, partly due to the legacy of Orban’s anti-Ukrainian rhetoric.

Perspectives

Democratic reform perspective: From this viewpoint, Magyar’s victory represents a historic opportunity to restore democratic institutions and break with the illiberal practices of the Orban era. This perspective, reflected in Deutsche Welle’s coverage, stresses the importance of constitutional change, judicial independence, and electoral reform as essential to Hungary’s return to the European mainstream.

Business and investment perspective: The South China Morning Post highlights the implications for foreign investors, particularly Chinese companies that benefited from Orban’s preferential policies. There is concern among Chinese businesses about losing their privileged standing under a Magyar government, although some officials urge calm, citing the long-term resilience of Hungary-China trade ties.

Geopolitical perspective: Magyar’s promises to anchor Hungary firmly within the EU and NATO, and to take a tougher stance on Russian influence, signal a potential reorientation of Hungary’s foreign policy. This could strain relations with non-Western partners, including China, as Hungary seeks to align more closely with Western democratic norms.

Skeptical perspective: Some observers question whether Magyar can truly distance himself from the Fidesz legacy, given his background as a former insider. There is also uncertainty about the feasibility of his reforms, especially with a two-thirds majority that could be used for its own power consolidation, and about the speed of change promised.