Tisza press conference: Péter Magyar names first seven ministers

Hungary’s incoming prime minister Péter Magyar has announced the first seven ministers of his future cabinet, offering the clearest picture yet of how the new Tisza-led government will be structured.

Speaking after the inaugural meeting of the party’s 141-strong parliamentary group, Magyar confirmed that the government will consist of 16 ministries in total, with further names to be revealed later this week.

Seven ministers confirmed

The first confirmed appointments include:

• Finance Minister: András Kármán
• Economy and Energy Minister: István Kapitány
• Foreign Minister: Anita Orbán
• Health Minister: Zsolt Hegedűs
• Defence Minister: Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi
• Environment Minister: László Gajdos
• Agriculture and Food Minister: Szabolcs Bóna

All nominees have accepted their roles, according to Magyar.

No “super ministries”, says Magyar

Magyar emphasised that the number of ministers should not be seen as unusual, noting that previous governments, including those led by József Antall and Viktor Orbán, had even larger cabinets.

He stressed that the Tisza government will not introduce so-called “super ministries”, instead opting for separate portfolios to ensure clearer responsibilities and more focused governance.

Full government structure still to come

In addition to the seven confirmed posts, Magyar outlined several other planned ministries, including:

• interior and law enforcement
• justice
• transport and investment
• education
• social affairs
• rural development
• culture (covering science, sport, civil affairs and media regulation)
• digital and technology

The full list of ministers is expected to be completed in the coming days, with the new government potentially taking office in early May.

Parliament and committees also being reshaped

Alongside the cabinet formation, the Tisza Party is preparing changes to parliamentary structures.

Plans include increasing the number of parliamentary committees and introducing new bodies such as a Digitalisation and Innovation Committee, as well as a Committee for Social Participation.

Some existing committees are expected to be split or reorganised to reflect the new government’s priorities.

Strong female representation highlighted

The new parliamentary group will also feature a record number of female MPs, with 44 women among Tisza’s representatives.

Incoming parliamentary group leader Andrea Bujdosó said this marks an important shift, bringing previously underrepresented perspectives into the legislative process.

Meanwhile, Ágnes Forsthoffer, nominated as Speaker of the National Assembly, described the appointment of women to key roles as a strong message about the direction of Hungary’s political culture.

If you missed it: Magyar: Incoming Tisza government to have 16 ministries, first ministers to be named today

Questions about ICC membership and Netanyahu invitation

During the ongoing press conference, Péter Magyar also addressed foreign policy issues, including Hungary’s position on the International Criminal Court.

He indicated that Hungary could halt its planned withdrawal from the ICC, which would carry legal implications. As a member state, Hungary would be obliged to act if an individual subject to an international arrest warrant entered its territory.

The issue arose in connection with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been invited to Hungary for the 70th anniversary of the 1956 revolution. Magyar stressed that invitations were extended broadly to state leaders, adding that commemorations should be held “in a dignified manner”.

State of emergency extension requested

Magyar also called on the outgoing government to extend Hungary’s current state of emergency, introduced under the pretext of war-related risks, until 31 May.

He argued that a short extension is necessary to allow the incoming government time to phase out the legal framework tied to the emergency regime. According to him, around 160 legal provisions are currently linked to the special legal order and cannot be immediately repealed.

At the same time, Magyar made clear that his government intends to end what he described as “extraordinary governance” and late-night lawmaking practices, signalling a shift towards more standard legislative procedures.

New committee to expand public oversight

Further details also emerged about the proposed Committee for Social Participation, one of the new parliamentary bodies planned by the Tisza Party.

Magyar said the committee would review legislative proposals before they are submitted to parliament, with the aim of increasing transparency and public involvement in lawmaking. Exceptions would apply to urgent measures.

The development of the committee’s structure is expected to be led by Márk Radnai, with proposals to be shared with other parliamentary groups for feedback.

Foreign policy pivot: ‘Anchoring in the West’

Incoming foreign minister Anita Orbán has already outlined a sharp shift in Hungary’s international stance.

She pledged to firmly anchor the country within Western alliances and reduce dependence on Russia, marking a clear departure from previous policy directions.

“Diplomacy is not about who shouts the loudest,” she said in a recent interview, adding that Hungary’s global positioning should directly benefit its economy and citizens’ security.

EU funds deal targeted within weeks

Magyar also signalled an urgent push to unlock frozen EU funds, saying his government aims to sign a political agreement with the European Commission between 15 and 20 May.

He stressed that restoring access to EU money would be key to rebuilding market confidence and restarting investment in Hungary. However, he cautioned that a clear picture of the country’s finances is still needed, criticising current budget figures and suggesting that even a 5% deficit target may be unrealistic.

According to Magyar, incoming finance minister-designate András Kármán and his team must first review state accounts, government decisions and existing financial commitments before finalising any economic measures. The goal, he said, is to build a “realistic” budget while launching as many social programmes as possible, alongside securing EU funds to stabilise the economy.

Magyar asked representatives to suspend EU fine

Magyar indicated to the European Commission that they should suspend the fine inherited by Hungary from the Orbán regime regarding the refugee quota: “At first they shook their heads, saying it couldn’t be done, but then I kept insisting until they said they would try,” Magyar said of the EU representatives.

This article was a live coverage of the press conference. Please look forward to our summary article.