Péter Magyar talked with Serbian Hungarian leader: policy shifts on the way

Hungary’s newly elected prime minister, Péter Magyar, has pledged continued support for ethnic Hungarians in Serbia while signalling stricter oversight of cross-border funding, following talks in Budapest with Bálint Pásztor, head of the Alliance of Vojvodina Hungarians (Vajdasági Magyar Szövetség, or VMSZ for short).

The meeting, described by both sides as open and constructive, comes after Hungary’s parliamentary elections and marks an early indication of how Péter Magyar’s incoming government intends to reshape relations with Hungarian communities abroad.

Péter Magyar continues support, but with new conditions

Magyar emphasised that ethnic Hungarians living in Serbia’s Vojvodina region would “continue to count on the support of the mother country” under his leadership. He stressed that previously acquired rights would be preserved and that strengthening Hungarian–Serbian relations would remain a priority, particularly in ways that improve the everyday lives and prospects of the Hungarian minority.

At the same time, he made clear that his government expects “fundamental changes” in how Hungarian state funds are used in Vojvodina. According to Magyar, transparency and efficiency will be key requirements going forward, alongside stricter accountability for institutions benefiting from Hungarian taxpayers’ money.

A particularly sensitive issue raised during the talks was media independence. Péter Magyar criticised outlets in Vojvodina funded from Hungary but linked to VMSZ, arguing that they should not function as vehicles for domestic political messaging. He cited concerns over limited coverage of his political movement and alleged editorial interference during election reporting.

Review of funding and election procedures

The incoming prime minister also announced plans for a retrospective review of financial support sent to Vojvodina over the past decade. In addition, he intends to investigate reported irregularities related to postal voting, a system widely used by Hungarians living abroad.

These measures suggest a broader effort by the new government to reassess long-standing policies on diaspora support, which have been a cornerstone of Hungarian politics in recent years.

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VMSZ signals willingness to cooperate

Pásztor struck a conciliatory tone after the meeting, stressing that VMSZ has historically worked with every Hungarian government in a “correct and cooperative partnership” to advance the interests of the Vojvodina Hungarian community.

He outlined the community’s institutional framework and challenges, noting that many key institutions are overseen by the Hungarian National Council, an elected minority self-governing body. According to Pásztor, these structures serve community (not party) interests and have been built up over decades.

On the question of funding, he said transparency and accountability had always been standard practice and that ongoing or future reviews were “natural.” Addressing concerns about postal voting, he maintained that the process complied fully with both Hungarian and Serbian law and that voters had already expressed their judgment in the election.

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Shared goals, but cautious optimism

Despite differences in tone and emphasis, both leaders agreed that the overarching aim of national policy should remain unchanged: enabling Hungarians in Vojvodina to thrive in their homeland, exercise their rights, and maintain strong institutions.

Pásztor expressed optimism about future cooperation, confirming that dialogue would continue after Hungary’s new government formally takes office. Péter Magyar, for his part, accepted an invitation to visit Vojvodina, with a trip expected later this summer.

The meeting highlights a delicate balancing act ahead: maintaining long-standing support for Hungarian communities abroad while introducing reforms that could reshape the political and institutional landscape of diaspora engagement.

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Featured image: Dr. Pásztor Bálint/Facebook