Prime Minister Péter Magyar has said he is not interested in winning popularity in Brussels, insisting that his primary responsibility is to represent the interests of the Hungarian people at the highest level of European decision-making.
Writing on Facebook after the first day of his first European Council summit in Brussels, Magyar reflected on his debut speech before the EU’s heads of state and government.
“The first speech I delivered was about honesty and moving beyond political correctness and double-speak,” the prime minister said.
Magyar explained that he had shared his experiences from travelling across Hungary over the past two years and visiting around 700 settlements, where he spoke directly with local residents.
“I told them what I had experienced while looking people in the eye and what I believe politics should be about,” he wrote.
‘I represent the Hungarian people’
According to Magyar, he made it clear to fellow European leaders that he was not seeking approval within EU institutions.
“I stressed that I do not want to be popular in the room or in Brussels, but to represent the Hungarian people at every moment,” he said. “I give respect and expect the same towards my country.”
The prime minister added that his remarks received an unusually warm response from those present.
Applause after backing tougher migration rules
Magyar claimed that his speech ended with strong applause, despite his support for leaders advocating stricter measures against illegal migration.
“At the end of my speech, I received great applause, which is unusual,” he wrote.
He noted that he had explicitly supported several leaders who argued in favour of further tightening EU rules on illegal migration, adding that such views now appear to command majority support among European leaders.
On Friday morning, Magyar was expected to attend a separate meeting of EU leaders who favour a tougher migration policy. Similar gatherings were regularly attended by former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán during his time in office.
A different tone from Hungary in Brussels
Expectations are growing among EU leaders that Hungary will adopt a more constructive and pro-European approach following the change of government. Ahead of the summit, several European leaders publicly welcomed Magyar’s arrival on the European stage and expressed hope for closer cooperation with Budapest.
The summit also produced joint conclusions on Ukraine, something that had proved difficult over the past year due to disagreements between Hungary and other member states. While Magyar has indicated that he sought changes to the final wording, the adoption of a common position marked a notable contrast with previous summits.
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