Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar launched a sharp attack on Fidesz and the KDNP during Thursday’s official government press conference, accusing the former governing parties of obstructing anti-corruption reforms and jeopardising billions of euros in European Union funding.
The press conference, held in Budapest on 11 June, also saw government spokespersons announce a series of measures ranging from hospital modernisation projects to financial negotiations with the capital city and the ongoing revision of Hungary’s 2026 budget.
Dispute over anti-corruption package and EU funds
At the centre of the political confrontation was the government’s recently submitted rule-of-law and anti-corruption legislative package, which ministers describe as a key step towards unlocking frozen EU funding.
Speaking at the briefing, Magyar said Fidesz and the KDNP had refused to support measures that would allow the European Public Prosecutor’s Office to investigate projects financed by EU funds dating back to 2021. He also criticised the opposition for rejecting stricter asset declaration rules that would introduce meaningful sanctions and broader investigative powers.
According to the prime minister, the stance of the former governing parties effectively undermines Hungary’s efforts to secure approximately HUF 6,000 billion (EUR 16.9 billion) in EU resources.
“Fidesz and the KDNP do not support the government’s anti-corruption efforts,” Péter Magyar stated, arguing that their opposition to the package demonstrates a lack of commitment to transparency and accountability.
Government spokesperson Vanda Szondi described the legislation as a “historic” package that could help Hungary fulfil long-standing rule-of-law commitments required by Brussels before frozen funds can be released.
She noted that the funds could have already reached the country had previous governments met the publicly known conditions set by the European Union since 2022.
Péter Magyar criticises Fidesz over public services and the economy
In comments published earlier on Thursday, Magyar broadened his criticism of Fidesz, claiming the party was ignoring some of the country’s most pressing problems, reported Telex.
He argued that the opposition showed little interest in the state of Hungary’s healthcare system, the difficulties facing the national railway operator MÁV, deteriorating road infrastructure, or the challenges confronting Hungarian businesses and workers.
The prime minister also accused Fidesz of rejecting legislation aimed at restricting the recruitment of non-Hungarian workers from third countries and of siding with multinational companies rather than domestic employees.
Magyar further criticised what he described as the opposition’s focus on culture-war issues instead of practical governance challenges, saying politicians were “fighting ghosts” and inventing enemies while neglecting real economic and social concerns.
Budapest granted payment extension
Another significant announcement concerned the financial dispute between the government and the Budapest municipality. Government spokesperson Éva Magyar revealed that the capital has been granted an extension until 15 October to fulfil its payment obligations.
Under the original schedule, Budapest was expected to pay HUF 37 billion (EUR 104.15 million) next week and a further HUF 12 billion (EUR 33.8 million) in mid-July. The government has now postponed both deadlines to allow negotiations aimed at finding a long-term solution to the city’s financial difficulties.
Despite the extension, the government stressed that the legally required payments must eventually be made. According to the spokesperson, eight municipalities have previously received similar extensions, with five already settling their outstanding obligations.
HUF 3.6 billion hospital cooling upgrade programme announced
The government also unveiled a nationwide hospital infrastructure programme worth more than HUF 3.6 billion (EUR 10.13 million), focusing on the modernisation of ageing cooling systems. Government spokesperson Anita Köböl said the initiative is intended to improve patient safety and help healthcare facilities adapt to increasingly extreme weather conditions.
The programme includes repairs and upgrades at several major hospitals, including Budapest’s Szent László Hospital, Jahn Ferenc South Pest Hospital, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Hospital and Szent Imre University Teaching Hospital.
Additional investments are planned in Miskolc, Győr and Kaposvár, as well as at the National Institute of Oncology, the Military Hospital and Heim Pál Children’s Hospital. Officials said the improvements will support the safe operation of operating theatres, intensive care units, maternity wards and oncology departments across the country.
Revised 2026 budget expected after summer
Responding to questions from journalists, Péter Magyar also addressed the state of Hungary’s 2026 budget. He said Finance Ministry officials are currently reviewing the fiscal framework inherited from the previous administration and that the revised budget could be submitted to Parliament in early September at the earliest.
The government is legally required to complete the review process by 30 June and publish the updated budget by 31 August. Magyar described the inherited budget as particularly difficult to manage, arguing that the new administration requires time to reassess its assumptions and priorities before presenting amendments to lawmakers.
Read also: Péter Magyar says we shall not forget about Orbán cabinet’s crimes against defenceless children
Péter Magyar also talked about meeting the Ukrainian president
Reuters asked Prime Minister Péter Magyar about the postponed meeting with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky. He answered that the meeting would be best held before the assembly of the European Council, which will take place next week. He added that they will notify the public if the date of the session with the Ukrainian president is official.
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