Summary
Hungary’s Prime Minister-elect Peter Magyar plans to change state media and wants the country’s president to resign after his party won a big election victory. He also aims to meet European Union demands to unlock billions in blocked recovery funds by making reforms in corruption, the courts, media, and academic freedom.
Key Facts
- Peter Magyar’s party won a large election, ending Viktor Orban’s 16-year rule in Hungary.
- Magyar said he will suspend state media broadcasts to stop biased news and reform public broadcasting.
- He called for President Tamas Sulyok to resign, saying he does not represent Hungary’s unity.
- Orban’s government had limited independent media, with many outlets controlled by his allies.
- Hungary faces a deadline with the EU to meet rule-of-law conditions or lose 16 billion euros in COVID-19 recovery money.
- Magyar has already spoken with the EU’s Ursula von der Leyen to start informal talks before his government starts.
- Magyar plans reforms focusing on fighting corruption, judicial independence, media freedom, and academic freedom.
- Experts warn Magyar’s reforms will be difficult, as Orban supporters hold many key public positions.
