Péter Magyar, the newly elected leader of Hungary, is poised to cultivate a close alliance with Poland’s Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, leveraging Poland’s recent experience in mending ties with the European Union after a period of illiberal governance. Since the fall of communism in 1989, Hungary and Poland have often mirrored each other’s political journeys. Today, as center-right, pro-European figures, Magyar and Tusk are tasked with the challenge of reinstating the rule of law and strengthening state institutions following years of democratic erosion and confrontations with the EU.
On the night of the election, Tusk contacted Magyar from Korea, expressing his exuberance by saying, “I’m so happy. I think I am even happier than you, you know?” The following morning, Tusk remarked to 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, in return, acknowledged Tusk’s support, emphasizing a “special relationship” with Poland, and announced Warsaw as the destination for his first official foreign visit. He also pledged to take swift action against two former Polish ministers in Budapest, linked to alleged abuses of power during their time in Poland’s former right-wing Law and Justice government.
The promise of collaboration between Magyar and Tusk could be instrumental in repositioning Budapest within the European political landscape. As Magyar prepares to succeed Viktor Orbán at the European Council, Tusk’s extensive experience is anticipated to be advantageous in EU negotiations. Recently, informal discussions between EU officials and Magyar’s incoming administration took place, focusing on Hungary’s potential policy shifts, including lifting its block on a €90 billion loan to Ukraine and endorsing new sanctions against Russia. Hungary is also expected to address several EU conditions related to governance, judiciary reforms, and academic freedoms.
Behind the scenes, Hungarian and Polish officials are already strategizing on applying Poland’s recent political reforms to Hungary. In 2023, Poland’s Civic Coalition successfully ousted the populist Law and Justice party, unlocking billions in previously frozen EU funds. However, Hungary faces a tight timeline to meet critical reform milestones by the end of August to access €10.4 billion in EU funds, with €2.12 billion already permanently forfeited. Polish officials, speaking anonymously, emphasized the urgency, stating that genuine changes are necessary beyond promises.
Magyar’s significant parliamentary majority could facilitate these reforms more smoothly than in Poland, where opposition vetoes complicated the process. Magyar, already seeking a symbolic break from the previous regime, has urged Tamás Sulyok, a close ally of Orbán, to resign. Additionally, Magyar’s commitment to joining the European Public Prosecutor’s Office to investigate corruption during Orbán’s tenure marks a critical step. Adam Bodnar, Poland’s former justice minister, noted that preparations for such governance shifts often begin before a new government is officially sworn in, underscoring the importance of readiness and decisive action in implementing necessary reforms.