Following his recent electoral victory, Hungary’s newly elected leader, Péter Magyar, is keen to establish a strong alliance with Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk. This partnership aims to leverage Poland’s experience in mending ties with the European Union after years of governance characterized by democratic regression. Since the fall of communism in 1989, Hungary and Poland have followed similar trajectories, and now both countries, led by centre-right, pro-European leaders, face the challenge of reinstating the rule of law and enhancing state institutions after prolonged periods of conflict with the EU.
Magyar and Tusk exchanged congratulatory calls on election night, with Tusk expressing his excitement from Korea. The Polish Prime Minister emphasized the significance of Hungary’s election outcome, remarking how this region of Europe is demonstrating a shift away from corrupt and authoritarian regimes. Magyar reciprocated the sentiment by announcing plans for a “special relationship” with Poland and choosing Warsaw as the destination for his first official trip abroad.
There are pressing issues for the incoming Hungarian administration, such as addressing former Polish ministers accused of power abuses and hiding in Budapest, and lifting Hungary’s blockade of a €90 billion loan to Ukraine. A meeting between EU officials and Magyar’s team took place shortly after the election, focusing on expectations for Hungary to satisfy several conditions concerning its institutional integrity, judicial system, and academic freedoms. The talks, which began informally months before the elections, aimed to preserve as much as possible from the damage inflicted during Viktor Orbán’s tenure.
Poland’s recent political transition serves as a framework for Hungary’s anticipated reforms. The Civic Coalition’s victory over the rightwing PiS in 2023 enabled Poland to access frozen EU funds, a path Hungary hopes to emulate with its own “super milestones” by the end of August to secure €10.4 billion, despite already losing €2.12 billion permanently. Polish officials stress the importance of concrete changes over mere promises, urging Hungary to ensure their administrative processes are impeccable to facilitate the EU’s financial support.
Magyar’s substantial parliamentary majority should streamline the reform process, unlike Poland’s experience where opposition vetoes complicated efforts. Nonetheless, Magyar is proactively seeking to remove remnants of Orbán’s influence, including urging Tamás Sulyok to resign as president. Furthermore, Magyar’s commitment to joining the European Public Prosecutor’s Office to investigate corruption during Orbán’s rule is pivotal. However, as Poland’s former justice minister Adam Bodnar notes, the deep-rooted issues from Orbán’s era may present challenges, as entrenched system participants cannot be replaced instantly despite institutional reforms.
