During this week’s parliamentary hearings, the future Hungarian government presented a comprehensive program of political reforms aimed at breaking away from Viktor Orban’s 16-year rule. The ministers proposed by Peter Magyar have pledged to pursue a more pro-EU economic policy, implement institutional reforms, and strengthen ties with Brussels. All 16 candidates were approved, as expected given Tisza’s parliamentary majority and corresponding control over commission votes.
András Kármán, the future Finance Minister, vowed to move away from the outgoing government’s model based on low wages and foreign investments. He criticized the previous policy of maintaining a weak Hungarian currency, arguing that it fueled inflation and suppressed wages. Kármán stated that the government aims to join the eurozone by 2030, introduce a 1% wealth tax for billionaires, and shift the annual budget process to fall to enhance predictability.
István Kapitány, the nominee for Minister of Economy and Energy, reinforced the pro-EU message by indicating Budapest’s immediate efforts to unlock 10.4 billion euros in frozen EU funds while maintaining a pragmatic approach on Russian energy imports. He emphasized the utilization of existing capabilities and affirmed Hungary’s commitment to subsidized energy prices for households while diversifying energy sources.
Anita Orbán, the future Foreign Affairs Minister, assured that the new government would seek to rebuild trust with Brussels and repair relations with Poland, which deteriorated under Orban’s tenure. She also highlighted the government’s pragmatic approach towards China and avoiding ideological foreign policies. Regarding Ukraine, Orbán reiterated support for sovereignty and territorial integrity while addressing the rights of the Hungarian minority in Ukrainian Transcarpathia, hinting at a cautious stance on Kiev’s EU accession process.
Furthermore, future Prime Minister’s Cabinet Minister Bálint Ruff pledged the “greatest cleansing in history” of state institutions and announced plans for a National Asset Recovery Office by June. He committed to opening the sealed state security records from the communist era kept by previous governments.
Judit Lannert, the incoming Education Minister, pledged to review controversial policies under Fidesz, including reinstating fired teachers who participated in civil disobedience protests. Criticisms arose regarding her plans to “depoliticize” education, particularly on LGBT issues. Zsolt Hegedűs, a former NHS surgeon known internationally for his dancing skills, presented plans to establish a more transparent and value-based healthcare system with the goal of increasing life expectancy to 80 years by 2035. He also announced that Nobel laureate Katalin Karikó would join his advisory committee.
