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Magyar confirms talks with 10 European leaders after historic win
Hungary's incoming prime minister, Péter Magyar, revealed on Monday that he had already spoken with 10 European leaders following his party's decisive victory, which ended Viktor Orbán's 16-year rule. The landslide win by Magyar's Tisza party on Sunday marked a dramatic shift in Hungarian politics, with preliminary results showing the party securing 136 seats-a two-thirds majority in parliament.
No call to Putin or Trump, but openness to dialogue
Despite ruling out initiating contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Magyar stated he would answer if Putin called. "If Vladimir Putin calls, I'll pick up the phone," he told reporters during a three-hour press conference. "I don't think it'll happen, but if we did talk, I'd tell him to please, after four years, put an end to the killing and end this war."
Moscow responded by saying it respects Magyar's victory and expects to maintain "pragmatic" relations with Budapest.
Magyar also dismissed the idea of calling former U.S. President Donald Trump, though he indicated he would welcome a conversation if Trump reached out. He described Hungary and the U.S. as "strong allies in NATO" and extended an invitation to Trump to attend the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian uprising against Soviet occupation next October.
From Orbán insider to reformist leader
A former member of Orbán's Fidesz party, Magyar launched a grassroots movement to combat corruption and cronyism in Hungary's government. He framed Sunday's election as a mandate for "complete regime change," not just a shift in leadership.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, one of the leaders Magyar had already spoken to, declared, "Hungary has chosen Europe." Magyar reinforced this stance, emphasizing Hungary's place in the EU and its interest in joining the eurozone. His first diplomatic visits are planned for Poland, Austria, and Germany-countries he highlighted as key partners.
Breaking with Orbán's foreign policy
Magyar's approach to the war in Ukraine starkly contrasts with Orbán's. While Orbán had blamed the EU and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for prolonging the conflict-and even blocked a €90 billion EU aid package for Kyiv-Magyar called Ukraine the clear victim. He condemned the war as senseless, noting the devastating losses for Russian families, including Russian-speaking communities in Ukraine.
"It would probably be a short phone call [with Putin], and I don't think he'd end the war on my advice," Magyar admitted.
Allegations of document shredding surface
During the press conference, Magyar received a note and subsequently accused the outgoing foreign minister, Péter Szijjártó, of shredding confidential documents related to EU sanctions against Russia. Szijjártó had previously faced scrutiny for allegedly sharing information with Russian officials, including a reported comment to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov: "I am at your service." Orbán had ordered a wiretapping investigation into the leak. The foreign ministry did not respond to the allegations.
Final vote count pending
Magyar noted that around 400,000 votes remained uncounted and expressed optimism that Tisza could gain additional seats. The party's current tally of 136 seats, though slightly lower than an earlier estimate of 138, still ensures a "super majority" capable of amending the constitution.
