Hungary’s Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Anita Orbán has outlined a packed week of political, economic and diplomatic developments, highlighting constitutional reforms, new government programmes and efforts to strengthen the country’s position within Central Europe.
In a Facebook post reviewing last week’s events, Orbán described a series of decisions aimed at reinforcing Hungary’s institutions, boosting economic development and expanding regional cooperation.
Constitutional amendment enters into force
According to Orbán, Parliament approved the 17th amendment to the country’s Fundamental Law on Monday, with the changes taking effect immediately.
The amendment introduces a 12-year limit on the time members of Parliament may serve, strengthens the independence of the Constitutional Court and the judiciary, and establishes the constitutional basis for a new office responsible for recovering unlawfully used public assets.
The constitutional reform forms part of the government’s broader programme of institutional changes following this year’s political transition.
France ties and economic cooperation in focus
On Tuesday, Orbán represented Hungary as Deputy Prime Minister during celebrations marking France’s National Day. She highlighted the strong economic relationship between the two countries, noting that nearly 500 French companies employ around 45,000 people in Hungary, while bilateral trade approached EUR 10.2 billion in 2024.
According to the foreign minister, renewed momentum in Hungarian-French relations could encourage further investment, support secure jobs and strengthen Hungary’s ability to represent its interests within Europe.
New development programmes approved
Wednesday’s all-day cabinet meeting resulted in several major government decisions. Orbán said the government is launching the Saint Stephen Programme, designed to help rural communities retain their population while creating new employment opportunities.
The cabinet also approved Hungary’s participation in the European AI Gigafactory initiative and the IRIS² satellite programme, alongside adopting the Baross Gábor Programme, a comprehensive strategy aimed at modernising the country’s railway network.
Regional cooperation and Hungarian communities abroad
On Thursday, Orbán held her first meeting with Franco Dal Mas, Secretary General of the Central European Initiative, to discuss closer regional cooperation. She said stronger cooperation among Central European countries would improve Hungary’s energy security, infrastructure and economic competitiveness.
Later the same day, Orbán attended a meeting of Parliament’s Committee on Hungarian Communities Abroad, stressing that foreign policy and national policy cannot be separated. She said protecting the security, language rights, educational opportunities and community rights of ethnic Hungarian communities beyond Hungary’s borders remains a priority in both bilateral and European negotiations.
Baden-Württemberg visit highlights investment links
The minister also welcomed Thomas Strobl, President of the Parliament of Germany’s Baden-Württemberg state, whose first official foreign visit was to Hungary. Orbán described Baden-Württemberg as one of Hungary’s key economic partners, pointing to the recent inauguration of Mercedes-Benz’s EUR 1 billion expansion in Kecskemét, announced earlier last week.
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Busy week of reforms and diplomacy
Summing up the week, Orbán described it as one marked by constitutional reform, significant government decisions and important Central European diplomatic meetings, presenting the developments as part of the government’s efforts to strengthen Hungary’s domestic institutions while expanding its international partnerships.
