Péter Magyar’s government has launched Hungary’s most dramatic transformation since the fall of communism, according to a Guardian editorial – but concerns remain over constitutional moves targeting Fidesz politicians and the fate of more than EUR 10 billion in EU funds.
Hungary is undergoing its most far-reaching political transformation since the fall of communism in 1989, according to The Guardian, which says Péter Magyar’s government is dismantling Viktor Orbán’s 16-year political legacy at an “extraordinary pace”.
In an editorial published on Sunday, the British newspaper assessed Magyar’s first three months as prime minister, describing the changes as a “peaceful political revolution”.
The Guardian portrays Orbán’s former system as a “soft autocracy” that flourished on corruption and extended its influence across much of Hungarian society, from religion and culture to the media. Now, it argues, that system is being dismantled at remarkable speed.
New president and a shake-up of state media
One of the most significant developments highlighted by the newspaper is the appointment of András Baka as Hungary’s new president. Baka, a former president of Hungary’s Supreme Court, was removed from his judicial position during Orbán’s rule in a case that was later found to have violated his rights by the European Court of Human Rights.
His appointment stands in stark contrast to the departure of his predecessor, Tamás Sulyok. Magyar had accused Sulyok of effectively rubber-stamping the erosion of the rule of law, while a constitutional amendment brought his presidential term to an early end.
The Guardian also points to the return of news bulletins to Hungary’s main state television channel on 20 August, after a six-week suspension. The newspaper describes ending what Magyar has portrayed as overt political bias in state media as one of his key campaign promises. Magyar won April’s election despite an electoral system that the Guardian says was weighted in Orbán’s favour.
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Hungary goes after the legacy of corruption
The government’s efforts to dismantle corruption networks established during the previous administration have also been moving quickly, according to the editorial. The Guardian says well over EUR 100 billion in public funds, including billions in EU money, is believed to have been siphoned off during Orbán’s years in power.
Investigators have been given new powers to pursue allegedly misappropriated assets through Hungary’s newly established National Asset Recovery and Protection Office. Magyar has also confirmed Hungary’s participation in the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, a move intended to strengthen the protection of EU funds and the investigation of financial crimes.
The next major test could come as soon as this autumn. Brussels has given Hungary until the end of August to demonstrate that sufficient measures have been taken to tackle corruption. More than EUR 10 billion in frozen EU funding is at stake.
The Guardian considers it likely that the vast majority of the money will eventually be released, arguing that this would further cement the rapprochement between Hungary and the European Union after years of conflict.
Concerns over Fidesz and ‘revenge’
Despite its broadly positive assessment of the new government’s direction, The Guardian also raises concerns about some of Magyar’s methods. The newspaper points to constitutional manoeuvring aimed at preventing a number of Fidesz MPs from standing in future elections.
President Baka has himself warned against creating the impression that the new government is seeking revenge against Orbán’s supporters. The Guardian nevertheless argues that a root-and-branch effort to dismantle the former system was necessary, and notes that Magyar’s approach continues to receive strong public backing in opinion polls.
At the same time, the newspaper cautions that rebuilding Hungary as a “normal pluralist European democracy” will take time.
For now, it describes Magyar as a “one-man political whirlwind” at the head of what is effectively a national unity government, supported by voters from across the political spectrum.
From symbolic gestures to a political revolution
The Guardian also highlights the symbolic changes introduced by Magyar. In May, the new prime minister moved his office out of the Carmelite Monastery, the heavily guarded building used by Orbán during his premiership. The building has since been opened to the public.
“I was not elected simply to change the government, but to change the regime,” Magyar said shortly after taking office, the newspaper recalls.
Three months later, The Guardian argues, that symbolic break with the past has been accompanied by much more substantial changes.
