Hungarian Prime Minister-elect Peter Magyar signaled a break from his predecessor in his first address on Monday, announcing plans to suspend state-run media operations and recommit the country to the International Criminal Court.
Magyar, who defeated longtime leader Viktor Orban over the weekend, pledged to steer Hungary back toward closer cooperation with European allies after years of tension with the European Union. His centrist Tisza party hopes to form a new government by early May following its landslide victory over Orban’s right-wing Fidesz party, according to media reports.
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Magyar said news broadcasts on public state media would be halted until reforms are in place, adding they will be suspended until “we can ensure unbiased coverage.”
He also said he would reverse Orban’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court.
“I think this is in the interest of the whole international community and also in the interest of our country, Hungary, to continue to be there,” Magyar said.
On the Ukraine war, Magyar struck a firm tone compared to his predecessor, emphasizing support for Kyiv’s sovereignty. Orban controversially blocked a $104 billion EU loan to Ukraine in recent weeks, causing a flurry of outrage from European leaders.
“Ukraine is the victim of this war. Everyone knows that,” Magyar said, adding that no country should be forced to cede territory in a peace deal. “We cannot ask any country to give up its territory. If they do, they would be considered traitors.”
Magyar, a former Fidesz party member, also warned about the broader security threat posed by Moscow.
“Russia is a security risk — and everyone knows it,” he said. “I am not speaking about the Russian people — they are fantastic people — but about the Russian state. In Hungarian history, we have felt the Russian bear before. Europe must prepare. Europe must protect and defend itself.”
He also referenced past remarks by Vice President JD Vance, expressing optimism about future ties with Washington. Vance traveled to Hungary and campaigned with Orban last week.
“I hope we will get to know each other,” Magyar said, noting Vance had suggested the U.S. would work with any democratically elected Hungarian government.
In his victory speech Sunday, Magyar framed his win as a turning point for Hungary’s democratic institutions after more than a decade of Orban’s rule.
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“We will restore the system of checks and balances, guarantee democratic functions of the country and never allow anyone to capture the free Hungarian state,” he said. “We will restore institutions that protect democracy. Hungary will once again be the strong ally of the EU and NATO.”
Orban, who styled himself as a champion of “illiberal democracy,” had long been at odds with Brussels and was seen as a key ally of President Donald Trump.