Hungary’s recent election victor, Péter Magyar, is seeking to establish a strong alliance with Poland’s Prime Minister, Donald Tusk. This partnership aims to draw on Poland’s recent experience in mending ties with the European Union after a period of illiberal governance. Since their transitions from communism in 1989, Hungary and Poland have often mirrored each other in their political trajectories. Now, both countries’ center-right, pro-European leaders face the challenge of reestablishing the rule of law and enhancing state institutions following years of democratic erosion and conflicts with the EU.
On the night of the election, Tusk, who was abroad in Korea, reached out to Magyar to express his exhilaration. “I’m so happy. I think I am even happier than you, you know?” he remarked. The following day, Tusk 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 reciprocated the warm sentiments by announcing his intention to develop a “special relationship” with Poland and selecting Warsaw as the destination for his initial foreign visit.
As Magyar prepares to replace Viktor Orbán at the European Council, Tusk, with his extensive experience, is expected to offer valuable guidance in negotiations with the EU. Recently, informal discussions commenced between EU officials and Magyar’s incoming administration, focusing on Hungary’s potential to drop its veto on a €90 billion loan to Ukraine and agree to new sanctions against Russia, signaling a shift in political alignment. Hungary will also need to address several institutional reforms concerning its judiciary, corruption measures, asylum laws, and academic freedoms to unlock crucial EU funds.
Polish and Hungarian officials are already collaborating on adapting Poland’s strategies for reversing illiberal policies to Hungary’s context. In 2023, Poland’s Civic Coalition succeeded in unlocking billions in EU funds after ousting the right-wing PiS party. The ongoing talks, which began months before the Hungarian election, aim to retain as much as possible from the previous administration while meeting Hungary’s “super milestones” by August’s end to access the first portion of €10.4 billion, with €2.12 billion already permanently lost.
Magyar’s decisive electoral victory and constitutional two-thirds majority in parliament provide a more straightforward path for reforms than Poland faced, where opposition presidents could veto changes. However, the process will still require relentless effort. Magyar has already indicated a desire for a symbolic break from the Orbán regime, urging the resignation of Tamás Sulyok, a close ally of Orbán. Additionally, Magyar’s commitment to joining the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and investigating past corruption is pivotal. Despite the momentum, challenges remain, as the legacy of the Orbán era continues to influence the mindset of state officials, prosecutors, and judges.